Sandy Nelson - Drums Are My Beat! (Music CD)

Drums Are My Beat! is most eclectic Sandy Nelson LP to appear during the drummer's commercial heyday. Like the preceding Let There Be Drums, it evenly divides between originals and covers, but the songs in the latter category derive from an unusually diverse group of sources, guaranteeing Nelson the opportunity to explore new facets of his craft. Duke Ellington's rhythmic fantasia "Caravan" proves a perfect fit with Nelson's primal style, as does the traditional "Hawaiian War Chant," presented here in a big band-influenced arrangement. Best of all is a version of Cozy Cole's "Topsy," featuring Nelson on xylophone. His original compositions are equally appealing -- "Drum Stomp" is a shimmering surf-rock excursion, "Hum Drum" anticipates the Middle Eastern flavor of the subsequent hit "Casbah," and the closing "The City" features a filthy Teenage Steve Douglas saxophone performance that brings to mind the bump-n-grind joints of days long gone. Most impressive of all is the epic "Day Drumming," an eight-minute Nelson solo showcase that captures the drummer in all his protean glory. ~ Jason Ankeny