Sarah Hommel: A Sarah Hommel Drum All

Hommel's central medley arrangement of three pieces by other composers sets the ensemble on fire with a collective nod to traditional Haitian and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The leader sings a gentle chant and the other band members respond with due process as they interpret Subri Moulin's "Jungle Beat, Robert Thomas' "The Whip and Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood. Dance One for Honi features four drum kits in a wide-ranging conversation that moves from one to the other with crisp clarity and a flair for rhythmic pride. They swing, too.

The ensemble honors natural rhythmic concepts that recall South African and Afro-Caribbean traditions, as well as contemporary percussion maneuvers. At times you can feel the kind of emotion that comes from the fired-up drum line of a marching band on the field. Hommel's gentle chants and down-home lyrics add a personal flavor that brings the performance even closer. As the ensemble's music ebbs and flows, its sheer variety proves adventuresome and intellectually satisfying.

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