Say And Play

This is the second ECM album from Batagraf the "percussion think-tank" convened by Norwegians Jon Balke and Helge Andreas Norbakken. This is a fascinating, hypnotic album where hand drum grooves and words are interwoven and send out their messages amid the swirl of electronic keyboards. Inspirations include the Bata drums of Yoruba culture, present in both Nigerian and Cuban music. Batagraf also reference the Wolof culture of Senegal and Gambia and the drums pattern of Arabic music. Say and Play draws upon the inner energy and creativity of those cultures.