Sacred Spirit Drums

by Carol WrightSacred Spirit Drums by brothers David and Steve Gordon is the sequel to their best-selling Sacred Earth Drums. With these two albums, the brothers begin to acknowledge their separate musical contributions (admittedly, they play many of the same instruments, but Steve adds guitars to the mix) and offer extensive liner notes, which in this case offer the story of the rituals of a shaman. Although the brothers play many African drums, the beats for most tracks are either basic Native American (4/4 or 1/1), with just slight embellishments; or, once established, the drum patterns remain a constant and easy groove. Native American flutes and jaunty Incan pan pipes provide the song, while guitar (the Spanish guitar on "Path with a Heart" is lovely), mandolin, electronic instruments, vocals, and nature sounds (birds recorded at Anzo Borrego National State Park) provide expansive musical depth. Sacred Spirit Drums is an intoxicating musical experience, accessible on many levels. The shaman's story is wonderful.