The debut recording by Ken Shorley combines the improvisation of jazz, the lyricism of classical, and the rhythmic drive of world music. These three traditions come together on ten original tunes to form an exciting and spontaneous blend. Ken performs on a wide assortment of hand drums, including doumbek, riq, djembe, and tabla, while highly-acclaimed Nova Scotian musicians John Scott and Don Palmer are featured on cello and soprano sax. 10 tracks.

“Shorley has established himself as an expert hand percussionist... The tunes are well composed and provide all the musicians a chance to display their musical expertise.”
John Beck, Percussive Notes magazine

“This moody CD from Annapolis Valley percussionist Ken Shorley slipped beneath the popular radar last year. But with the atmospheric soprano sax and flute from Don Palmer and some edgy cello from John Scott, the album is an interesting exploration of middle-eastern jazz textures. While much of the melodic textures come from the horn and strings, it's Shorley's hand-drumming that adds that exotic flair. He plays Indian tabla, African djembe, Arabic doumbek and riq and an assortment of shakers. Shorley has studied with Indian percussion master Trichy Sankaran, and the spicy eastern influences come through on some of his original compositions. This introspective album is a calming 50 minutes away from a frenetic world.”
Sandy MacDonald, The Halifax Daily News

“Open and inviting...sometimes ethereal and at other times magical.” He went on to say, “there are no weak spots on this disc and it is well worth a listen. The playing, writing and performance are first class.”
Andrew Younger, Atlantic Gig magazine

“It is certainly worldly music, drawn often at the same time from influences a half a world and years apart. It is visceral, inviting music from and for visceral, committed people. I would include, but not limit Shorley's guaranteed fans to: drummers, dancers, jazzheads, and fans of eastern music of all stripes (myself definitely included).”
Kevan Corbett, Reverb Magazine

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