Kala Rupa
Percussionist Greg Ellis is already known for his vibrant drumming in the "alternative world" groupVas. He has also performed withMickey Hartand 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 Rupais a strong testament to the powerful magic of drumming.--Bryan Reesman