Drums on Fire is a journey through the dynamic and exciting interplay of rhythm as jointly created by Indian master drummer Sivamani and world musician James Asher whose best-selling 'Feet in the Soil' and 'Tigers of the Raj' are already acknowledged world fusion classics. Vocals, flute, violin, guitar and sax join Sivamani`s rhythmic heat, whilst James' keyboards and production mastery set the fires firmly ablaze. The global interplay of Indian and European musical styles is further enhanced by chunky but crystal clear sound. Get those toes tapping with the energy of Drums on Fire!

This CD also includes a video clip of James Asher and Sivamani in MPEG1 format for MAC and PC users. To accompany 'Drums on Fire' is this gallery of photo's taken with Sivamani whilst recording the album.

Customer Review - "Having sat down in a stressed out state, totally shattered from a hard days work in the busy city of London, I was put into a total mode of relaxation. This compilation of tracks by these two truly inspirational characters allowed me to have the greatest hour of rest that I have had in my life. It controls both sides of music; the traditional Indian music along with the Western style of music. This is the reason why I myself enjoyed it so much as I got a feel of being in both worlds at the same time. The title of the album sums up the CD totally. The way Sivamani plays the drums is unlike anyone that I have ever heard before in my life. He makes the person listening feel as if they can completely trust him, and let him guide the way through his music. The music is amazing. There are no words in it so it is totally up to you how you interprate the music. I actually felt that I was sitting in a meditating position surrounded by a circle of fire. I could not see or hear the past, present or future. I was in a deep yet relaxed mode of concentration. I recomend this album to everyone. It is suitable for anyone as can be interpreted in many ways."

More Reviews :

James Asher joins forces with the mighty Sivamani in his most colorful, rhythm-driven work to date. A triumphant and tireless hour of compulsive rhythms that never stops to catch its breath. Drums on Fire will have you dancing 'til you drop! Written by Peter Manzi, New Age Voice

Great melodic beats - pulsing drums. If drum beats can be melodic - this album shows that. Two great gurus of the drums Sivamani - with his ecstatic beats, vedic chantics to add a mood to the music, crazy one-offs with the other great guru James Asher who with his own pulsing beats creates a superb album.

And inspite of a whole album of drum beats - it doesn't bore you in the least. The mood changes totally across the album to revive and keep up the interest in listening intently and marvel at the fluidity of the pair.

There are occasional melodic tunes too - with flutes and other instruments. But best of all is Sivamani's rapid fire chants and his vocal beats that he syncronises with the actual drums. Written by Nilanjan "nilch" from Somerset, NJ United States

Credits : Recorded and produced by James Asher at Starfield Studios 2002, London on two Soundscape Red recorders. Mixed by Grahame Gerrard and James Asher. All compositions by James Asher and Sivamani. MUSICIANS: James Asher - keyboards, bazouki (made by Paul Hathway), dulcimer (made by Tim Manning), ashiko (Arthur Hull signature series), shaker, programming, Soundscape. Anandan Sivamani - vocals/chant/rhythmic scat (tracks 2, 3, 7, 9), hang, dulcimer, drums, cymbals, gongs, dhol, ashiko, djembe, taiko, shime-taiko, tablas, roto-toms, ring drum, bongos, batajons, woodblocks, cowbell, Handsonic, percussion, birdcall, buckets, fire. Sandeep Raval - frame drum, ring drum, taiko, ashiko, cajon, wicked ginger biscuits. Miles Bould - congas, timbales, bata drums. Prem Mani - djembe, ashiko. Christine Collister - vocals (tracks 1, 2). Mehboob Nadeem - vocals (track 5). V. Umamahesh - vocals (tracks 3, 8). Lisa Mallett - silver flute, bansurai. Chandru - violin. Mark Ramsden - soprano saxophone (track 4). Jason Turner - soprano saxophone (track 5). Matt Gleeson - guitar, whammy pedal (track 1). Nikolai Bazentov - guitar (tracks 4, 9). Sivamani plays Zildjian cymbals