The Drum Also Sings
Desafio Candente, 2026
9/10
The Chicago drummer, Gustavo Cortiñas, is joined by Dave King and Isaiah Spencer’s drums, plus many vocalists for 10 tracks that were born out of personal and collective difficulty.
“Etinel skotol t’ixt’unel” opens with Angelina Suyul’s spoken word alongside the occasional drum and some ambient background noise that builds into a densely layered drum bout, and “Mother Tongue” follows with the trio’s drums interacting with an atypical rhythm that’s infectious.
In the middle, “Duraznito” radiates soft gestures that are inwardly focused, while “Anay Pachamama” welcomes Maryta de Humahuaca’s powerful pipes to the busy drumming progressions and percussive sounds that balance adventurousness with heartfelt singing.
Landing close to the end, “Fellowship” showcases incredible drumming prowess that’s mesmerizing and dance floor ready, and “Psalm 23” exits with Angle Bat Dawid’s firm vocals and clarinet adding much to the bare versus animated presence of the drums with much impact.
An effort that injects much community, spirituality and ancestry into the fold, Cortiñas and company cultivate a message of healing, where prayer, improvisation and tenderness fuel the messages.
Travels well with: John Clayton- The Two-O Duo Project; Edward Simon- Venezuela