Presented by Damushi Ensemble Band
Reviewed 21 February 2017
I was frustrated and disappointed by the performance of the Damushi Ensemble Band last night which attracted only a very small audience. While not au fait with all the many different styles of African music, nonetheless I did expect a wider range of music and rhythms than were presented. Although some performers delivered the promised high energy, others were less enthusiastic and the cultural dancers mentioned in the Fringe program were nowhere to be seen.
I realise that the drumming is a central part of the Ensemble’s music but despite introductions describing Nigerian and Ghanaian music and songs, plus explanations on the roots of salsa, the majority of the pieces played had a very similar sound with the percussion overpowering other instruments, such as the saxophone and keyboard. It wasn’t until the final 2 or 3 pieces that we were treated to a different vibe. Perhaps it was because a few audience members finally got up to dance, as we had been encouraged to do from the start.
The cabaret style set up at Nexus Arts certainly lends itself to the audience getting up and getting involved but the music needs to be more appealing to get them to leave their seats.
Reviewed by Jan Kershaw
Rating out of 5: 2.5
Frustrated
Venue: Nexus Arts
Season: 20 and 27 Feb
Duration: 60 min
Tickets: Full Price: $20.00 Concession: $15.00
Bookings: https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/damushi-ensemble-african-drum-n-beats-nexus-arts
https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
https://radio.adelaide.edu.au/damushi-ensemble-band/
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