Album Review: Scattered Diamonds by Barrett Martin (9/10)

Distributed by: Sunyata Records/Sony Music

Producer: Barrett Martin

Latin Grammy-winning producer-percussionist-composer Martin continues an odyssey with his most adventurous and eclectic musical project yet, his ninth studio album, on which he employs musicians from around the world. It’s an ethnocentric gumbo that features 17 original heavily percussion-driven jazz, rock, funk and multi-cultural fusion compositions. Iraqi, Indian, Senegalese and Ghanian instrumental stars are major contributors to the tracks as well as classic rockers like R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil. Highlights include big-band centerpiece “The Firebird.”

Learn more about the album at barrettmartin.com.