Biama
Neuma, 2023
8/10
An assembly of drummers from Belize, the Lebeha Drummers also bring vocals, calabash shakers and turtle shells to these new and old songs that are set to traditional rhythms like punta, paranda, chumba, wanaragua and hunguhungu.
“Cabasa Wiega (We Are Hungry)” opens the listen with warm and rhythmic drumming alongside the soaring, very poetic singing that’s quite eloquent, and “Garifuna Nuguya (I Am Garifuna)” follows with dynamic group drumming and harmonic group vocals that are busy and very meticulous.
Halfway through, “Wanaragua” showcases swift and focused drumming patterns, while “Combination Dance” will indeed get your body in motion to the rapid fire drum manipulation that’s quite fascinating.
Close to the end, the vocally strong “Uma (Road)” use drums and percussive sounds with much exploration, and “Numadagunu (My Friends)” exits with a very spirited and heartfelt presence.
The band consists of Jabbar Lambey (segunda), Warren Martinez (vocals, primero, shakkas turtle shells), and Clayton Williams (vocals, segunda, primero, shakkas). Additional vocals and claves are courtesy of Marcela Torres, and together they make for an unplugged affair that remains true to their traditional roots for this really enlightening experience.
Travels well with: Aaron Jay Myers- Late Night Banter; William Duckworth- The Time Curve Preludes