Capitol hill : secret tracks
The Yang to the Yin of Whetzel’s album Sum, “Capitol Hill: Secret Tracks” is a high energy mix of South Asian, African and American music. Tabla and Darbouka beats are combined with innovative throat singing and Whetzel’s diverse palette of instruments which ranges from Sarode to guitar, Riqq, to drum kit.
Indian Virtuoso tabla player Vishal Nagar appears on several tracks adding intense tabla skills to the mix. Tucker Martine provides special audio effects on several tracks and drum kit players Adam Lofstedt and Leftheri Mahlis bring some tasty beats. Canadian guitar ace Gavin Douglas also appears on one track.
Track Listings
1. Secret Track #1
2. Darbouka and Friends
3. Deegah for Nightpeople
2. Darbouka and Friends
4. Je m’appelle Rizoit
5. Dha, Impermanence (featuring Vishal Nagar)
6. Two Wishes to Hold in Reserve
7. To the Mountains
8. Mamma Menne Menno Mamamama Now
9. Secret Track #2
10. Bigger Universe5. Dha, Impermanence (featuring Vishal Nagar)
6. Two Wishes to Hold in Reserve
7. To the Mountains
8. Mamma Menne Menno Mamamama Now
9. Secret Track #2
11. Dha, Joy of Breath and Kaseo (featuring Vishal Nagar)
12. Salaam and Siesta for Everyone
13. Dha, Vivid Response to Life (featuring Vishal Nagar)
14. My Road out of Nothing
13. Dha, Vivid Response to Life (featuring Vishal Nagar)
14. My Road out of Nothing
December 23rd, 2006 at 2:06 pm
I don’t know why these tracks were kept in the vault so long! This album has a whole host of things to recommend it. Here are the top three: 1) It’s unique in all the best ways and there’s nothing else that occupies the empty space in your music collection that this album will fill– unless you already have an album that combines Tuvan throat singing with elements of Indian and North African music in a way that isn’t contrived, completely makes sense, and pays due respect to those traditions 2) It’s consistent from beginning to end in terms of both style and quality– which means you know that everytime you put it on you’re guaranteed a steady hour of listening pleasure 3) The musicianship is fantastic without being showy– It all serves it’s place in the context of the music and it’s only when you listen closely that you realize the skill required to execute parts that seem to be played so effortlessly. What else do you need to know? Buy this album right now. Enjoy the music. If you’re in Seattle, look in the paper for listings and go see him make music like this live! It will undoubtedly be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. Take my word for it. Five stars all the way.
May 10th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Cool sounds!! I found you because we were moving some stuff around at home and found my old Washington Middle School yearbooks. I thought I would Google some of my
old friends. I got to your website when I looked for James “Winner” Whetzel. I don’t know if it is you, but it seemed to be more than a coincidence that there would be another James Whetzel - musician - in Seattle. I might have to check out more of your music. (Whether or not you are the same person.)
Rob Foster