On August 5th, two-time Grammy Award winners Planet Drum will help get the planet back in rhythm with In the Groove, the first album from the trailblazing world music supergroup in 15 years. Renowned global rhythm masters Mickey Hart (USA), Zakir Hussain (India), Giovanni Hidalgo (Puerto Rico) and Sikiru Adepoju (Nigeria) are Planet Drum, and In the Groove continues the legacy forged in 1991 with Planet Drum’s monumental self-titled original release, which remains one of the most successful percussion recordings of all time, topping the Billboard Charts for 26 weeks. Planet Drum won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best World Music Album and changed the perception of percussive world music forever. Their second effort, 2007’s Global Drum Project earned their second Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009.
On In the Groove, Planet Drum recaptures and exalts the percussion magic that began so long ago, this time heightened by the challenges of COVID and the current status of the globe. As touring ceased, Hart’s busy Dead & Company schedule came to a halt, leaving him the gift of time to explore further his passion and calling for all things percussion, which ultimately led to reconnecting with his three brothers in Planet Drum. As a lifelong student of rhythm, Hart is captivated by its restorative nature. “I thought there was a great need for this. Rhythmic unity among cultures is what Planet Drum is about, and with the world in torment, it sends a powerful message of healing.” This short video was filmed in the studio and shows the genuine love, respect and pure joy the four master musicians experienced though this reunion, as well as a glimpse into their creative process.
In the Groove is a dance album, a celebratory act after the exhaustion and depletion of the last two years. Hussain says, “It’s a groove album. Very little virtuoso soloing, but four of us in sync within the groove adds up to something incredible.” Created during the pandemic, the task of recording became mainly one of editing and spatial processing. Towards the end of recording, the supergroup was finally able to come together in-person and perform live, and that mesmerizing energy is felt throughout In the Groove.
Planet Drum’s message of unity is needed now more than ever. In a world ripe with conflict and division, Planet Drum leads by example, symbolizing the idea of bringing different cultures together to create one collective rhythm. Working together for one goal creates stronger and more fulfilling human connections, understanding and ultimately, joy.
Planet Drum will share the groove with fans at their first live show in 15 years on May 1st at the Frost Amphitheater. The supergroup will celebrate the release of In the Groove with two performances, on August 5th and 6th at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester NY. Go to thecapitoltheatre.com for on-sale dates.
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