Michael Pluznick

On his third release, percussionist-extraordinaire Michael Pluznick finds all the pieces meshing perfectly in a dynamite brew of Haitian, Caribbean and West African influences. This animated release features male and female vocals, guitar, trumpet, keyboards and, above all, Pluznick on over 20 rhythm instruments. Joel Lindheimer plays guitar and charango, Robert Powell pedal steel guitar, and Kim Atkinson adds extra touches of percussion on several tracks, while lead vocals (often of a call-and-response nature) are shared between Yagbé "Oba-llu" Onilu, Lygia Ferra and Pedro DeJesus. Highlights are the swaying "Le Bolero Haitien," "Mozambique," based on a Cuban dance craze in the '60s, the catchy "Rumbacito," and "Giant Step," from traditional music that pays homage to the mountain spirit of the Yoruba people of western Nigeria. While the band is undeniably hot, it's Pluznick who holds the reigns, leading his group through complex, dynamic polyrhythms in this fruitful Rhythm Harvest. ~ Backroads Music/Heartbeats, All Music Guide