Six Drumsets: Simmer (2001)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: April 12, 2002

Simmer is very much an acquired taste, all percussion, all of the time. As it turns out, Simmer is Six Drumsets second release, the first being a self-titled effort. As their moniker reveals, Six Drumsets are exactly that, six drummers. This collection of drummers is very international and all are conservatory trained. All have impressive work histories, drumming for every genre of music. Nevertheless, is all of this enough to carry the day?

Yes and No.

Each piece is provocative and polyrhythmic. "In Seven" smacks of the Middle East. "Sacred Smoke" smells of Africa crossed with Native American sensibilities. The lengthiest piece, "Glass Beads," serves as the apex of the recording, beginning with a cymbal conversation, accented with trap ejaculations and nervous rim shots. "Six Hop" is perhaps the most accessible piece, mesmerizing with rap rhythms and emphasis. The title piece is a tribute to drummers Jack DeJohnette and Jon Christensen. It begins with a fast, off-beat ride cymbal providing the theme that is then elaborated and broken by other cymbal and trap conversations. Simmer is a compelling recording to be sure. But, I suspect that it will not appeal to everyone.

Track Listing: In Seven; Sacred Smoke; Glass Beads; Six Hop; B.E.; Massive; Simmer. (Total Time: 60:06).

Personnel: Marko Djordjevec; Takeshi Ichikawa; Jon Hazilla; Johnny Rabb; Johan Svensson; Steve Wilkes: Drums.

Record Label: Hourglass
Style: Fringes of Jazz