NEW CD
Available via iTunes


MUSIC FOR PERCUSSION (MOSTLY)
By Todd Hammes and his Tool and Drum Ensemble
on the Innova Record Label
For sale at www.innova.mu  http://www.innova.mu/artist1.asp?skuID=299

Music for Percussion (mostly) contains a collection of compositions by percussionist and composer Todd Hammes. Solo to octet, this recording represents the new breed of American percussionist. Composing and improvising. Classically Western and global. Powerful yet sublime.

The Tool and Drum Ensemble is a collective of percussionists (mostly) who have been assembled to realize the music of Todd Hammes. These performers are classically trained chamber musicians who are chosen to contribute their own talents and identities to the music.

Available via iTunes

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Todd Hammes, percussion

In his groundbreaking first commercial recording, Todd establishes his world class credentials as a composer/percussionist of vision and sensitivity, performing with mastery on nearly three dozen percussion instruments from around the globe, and setting an exceptional standard for subsequent recorded work.

“Hammes is a percussionist of immense range, with an innate sense of touch, tone and color. There’s plenty of variety and peerless virtuosity on this five-star effort. Snag it!”
Dan Buckley, The Tucson Citizen

“…evidence of Hammes’ strengths, particularly his expertise of the performance of music of non-Western cultures, his ability to use folk instruments in new and musically viable ways, and his impressive skills in improvisation.”
John R. Rausch, Percussive Notes: The Journal of the Percussive Arts Society

“…a very pleasure listening experience…I especially enjoyed the Split Silk piece and Ubi Caritas. Both of these showed a uniqueness in your musical vision.”
Glen Velez, world drummer/recording artist

2002

Available via iTunes

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The Sonoran Consort
William Campbell
piano, keyboards and bamboo flute
Todd Hammes
percussion
Michael Hester
saxophone

In this telling second effort, the Sonoran Consort reasserts its leadership among contemporary American improvisational ensembles. Drawing even more deeply upon a seemingly endless well of creativity and virtuosity, the trio again lures listeners into the mysterious musical territory where they so confidently reside.

“…a sonic document of the trio’s creative journey…soundscapes that embody profound contentment, deep yearning, self-discovery and moments of sheer bliss.”
- Matthew Moon, The Desert Leaf

1999

Available via iTunes

Buy this recording - $15
The Sonoran Consort
William Campbell
piano, keyboards and bamboo flute
Todd Hammes
percussion
Michael Hester
saxophone

An astonishing first CD by a remarkably gifted trio, this recording exhibits the dynamic, improvisationally-centered relationship of these three composer/ performers.

“More and more, contemporary music ensembles and individual
performers are…freeing themselves not only to ornament and spring from the printed page, but also to broaden the sphere of reference that music draws upon. Tuscon’s Sonoran Consort is among those groups.”
Dan Buckley, Tucson Citizen