Kala Rupa

Amazon.com
Percussionist Greg Ellis is already known for his vibrant drumming in the "alternative world" group Vas. He has also performed with Mickey Hart and Billy Idol. On this solo effort, Ellis generates beguiling drum tapestries filled with potent grooves and melodic playing. (Yes, drums can be melodic.) Each of the 10 percussive "forms" on this album is augmented by one or two other instruments--cello, jaw harp, kamancheh, hammered dulcimer, or bansuri--and the results range from dark and dreamy ("Form 5") to uptempo and animated ("Form 8"). Ellis's bandmate from Vas, vocalist Azam Ali, lends her captivating voice to two tracks. Kala Rupa is a strong testament to the powerful magic of drumming. --Bryan Reesman

Tracks:

Form 1
Form 2
Form 3
Form 4
Form 5
Form 6
Form 7
Form 8
Form 9
Form 10

Amazon.com

Percussionist Greg Ellis is already known for his vibrant drumming in the "alternative world" group Vas. He has also performed with Mickey Hart and Billy Idol. On this solo effort, Ellis generates beguiling drum tapestries filled with potent grooves and melodic playing. (Yes, drums can be melodic.) Each of the 10 percussive "forms" on this album is augmented by one or two other instruments--cello, jaw harp, kamancheh, hammered dulcimer, or bansuri--and the results range from dark and dreamy ("Form 5") to uptempo and animated ("Form 8"). Ellis's bandmate from Vas, vocalist Azam Ali, lends her captivating voice to two tracks. Kala Rupa is a strong testament to the powerful magic of drumming. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

Bringing it in Neutral.......2005-12-14

When you open the cd insert Greg Ellis explains why he called the cd Kala Rupa and why all of the songs are called "Forms" instead of using traditional song titles. Kala Rupa literally means Time Form.

He wants the listener to begin each track on neutral grounds, forming your own opinion and perception of the song and of the beautiful sounds of the instruments.

I've listened to this cd over and over and each song is amazing. All based on hand drums, he and other talented musicians get together and create a magical experience. Each song is extremely unique, all different rhythms, from all over the world.

I've listened to tracks on all sorts of "world music" cd's. I've sifted through artist after artist on Amazon... and I must say, Greg Ellis's Kala Rupa is a must have to any music collection.
Very easy to trance out to, to belly dance to, to make love to, to drive to, to party to, to mix with.
So buy it already!!

Unbelievably Beautiful!.......2004-07-12

Each form is unique, loaded with sounds and ideas from a variety of cultures and times. Definetely a must for fans of drumming; fans of Hossam Ramzy for sure. Having Azam on as guest for two of the tracks was an exquisite bonus. Excellent work.

Hypnotic and uplifting.......2004-03-19

A side-project from Greg Ellis' work in superlative music duo Vas (as _Portals of Grace_ was for Ellis' musical partner Azam Ali), _Kala Rupa_ is an astonishingly vibrant album. The tracks, labelled simply as 'Forms', are predominantly explorations in rhythm, without vocals - although Azam Ali does sing on a couple of tracks. This is a percussionist's album, and full of infectious energy. [For anyone familiar with the rest of Vas' output, think track 5 on _In the Garden of Souls_]

There is a great variety in pace and instrumentation among the forms, offering something to suit every mood and ensuring that listening is never a dull experience. A large number of collaborators bring their talents to this album, and the result is a deeply 'organic' recording - one arising naturally from blending and experimentation with the instruments. Exhilarating.

Hypnotic and uplifting.......2004-01-23

"time form".......2003-03-05

is what "kala rupa" means. The music on this cd is so thick, so brilliantly textured. It's primarily drumming, but not only drumming. The first song is full-on driving drumming. The cd also has prominent influence & inspiration from the music of India & other places, & has some very ethereal, spacey moments. On the whole, it often makes me feel like I'm exploring a swamp. Exploring something anyway.

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