Global Groovilization

Jazz Improv Magazine

Washington D.C.-based percussion wizard Tom Teasley deserves his own slot in the CD bins. Maybe his own store.

Borrowing from the music of seemingly every culture on the planet, Teasley manages to blend world sounds and jazz influences into a raucous, melodic, highly danceable stew that belongs in its own genre. Or maybe all genres….

Like the title implies, "groove" is the operative word here; Teasley taps the hypnotic core common to the music of all traditions, from Yiddish klezmer to Cuban rumba, Turkish trance to Irish jigs, West African juju to D.C. go-go- and everything else he can stuff in his bag of rhythmic tricks along the way….

Besides having the god-given gift of groove, Teasley is a true textural artist. Whether creating haunting lines of exotica on vibes ("Seven Candlesticks" or laying down a go-go part beat on full kit ("Pack Your bags and Go-Go"), he knows how to apply just the right shades of color, the perfect ratio of timbral brushstrokes using the organic, alien implements at his disposal. On the opener, "Dirt Road Dancin'," he shakes out an infectious march like he's making popcorn on his snare head; flavoring the tune's broken strut with eerie marimba and Bobby McFerrinesque vocal percussion, he even uses his cheek as a noisemaker…

True, Tom Teasley is by no means the first artist to synthesize jazz with world music. That tradition stretches from Jelly Roll Morton's "Spanish tinge" through Coltrane's Middle Eastern modal flights through the jazz-influenced work of ethnic greats like Astor Piazolla, Fela Kuti, Anouar Brahem and beyond…. But Teasley throws it all together in an alchemical way that's daring, fun and likely to win the ears (and feet) of listeners not exposed to either field. … - Peter Aaron

Modern Drummer 2003

This is one very groovy percussion album indeed, loaded with neat beats. Percussionist and drummer Tom Teasley successfully fuses various rhythmic ideas from around the world, emphasizing the universal concept of groove. Multi-layered melodic and rhythmic percussion join to create a fun and inspiring listen that will quickly have you tapping along. Check out the opener, "Dirt Road Dancin," or the laid-back odd-meter of "Seven Candlesticks," with its mix of drums, vibes and hand drums. This hip West African / Indian / Middle Eastern-influenced stew will soon have you hooked. - Martin Patmos

All Music Guide 2003

Tom Teasley is among the few jazz musicians who, in the 21st century, can put a fresh, new spin on the most overdone, beaten-to-death standards – which isn't an easy thing to do when you're dealing with a warhorse that's been recorded by literally hundreds of artists. In most cases, seeing an overdone title listed on a new jazz release inspires a reaction of, "Oh, please, not that song again"; when the artist is Teasley, however, one thinks, "Hmmmmm, I wonder what he did with it."…. Teasley is also a talented composer, and Global Groovilization is a welcome addition to his catalog. This 2003 release is titled Global Groovilization because it celebrates the groove factor; Teasley deserve praise and high marks for its risk-taking spirit. - Alex Henderson

Midwest Record Recap 2003

Successfully mixing jam band ethic with funk and world beat moves that keep the festivities moving from one level to the next mode, this is a crazy wild drummer that manages to shatter all expectations and leave you going 'huh?' A wild and wonderful session that opens the ear wide with wonderment. A left field winner adult ears will love.

Mish Mash 2003

Teasley has put together one of the hottest percussion-based albums I've heard in a long, long time. He rips it up with a wild amalgam of traditional world instruments and electronic beats, grinding out the groove like a true master.

Radio Reviews: Global Groovilization 2003

"… this is a very engaging CD. Virginia-based Tom Teasley is an accomplished and serious percussionist, who shares his knowledge of world rhythms in this jazz-world-funk release… this CD has engaging melodies, rich interplay, and plenty of variety and diversity in its sound, all held together by a unity of groove… Teasley's hand and stick speak volumes." - Spin the Globe, World Music – KAOS, Olympia, WA

"Oh Yeah! Global Groovilization is in heavy rotation." - Angela Hohlak, KTUH

"Global Groovilization is very enjoyable." - Shepard Samuals, WTUL

"I can't wait to get to know Global Groovilization better. I'm already very impressed!" - Alex Finian, WRMC

"Take a basic beat, add groove and a sense of cultural uniqueness and you get Tom Teasley. Tom has invented a new genre I like to call 'Groove Jazz.' Smoother than smooth, Global Groovilization is groove-y." - Dave Butler, Innervisions Radio, KRSC

"I just listened to Global Groovilization and there is no doubt about it, Tom Teasley is one talented guy." - Dave Oldhen, WQFS

"I love Global Groovilization." - Wanique Shabazz, WRFG

"Global Groovilization has been spinning for weeks!" - Tammy Tilenguist, KAOS