VARIOUS 'Drumnation Volume 2'
Mascot/Magnacarta PRDLE 7154-2 (2005)
This compilation is meant as a spotlight on several top drummers who are
given free reign, with one track from each of their own albums. There’s
several names here, some not so well known and a lot of good rock music.
Opening with 'Meetings', featuring Mike Portnoy, it’s a slightly jazzy hard
rock affair, but as much about the guitar as drums.
Pat Mastlotto’s 'Toccata' features an element of beefed up ELP, but again
the anal guitar wizardry does skew the emphasis.
For the techie there’s Terry Bozzio (featuring bassist Billy Sheehan), while
the album also features Simon Phillips ('The Barbarian' - another ELP
influence) and the grossly underrated former Kiss / Ace Frehley drummer
Anton Fig.
The music ranges form hard rock to jazz fusion, but sadly is all a little
too technical, as is the guitar work that litters most of these tracks.
For additional power, arrangement and all round enjoyment and fun, the real
competition died several years ago.
***
Review by Joe Geesin
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