Tom Teasley

All the World’s a Stage (2012)

All the World’s a Stage is a masterclass in percussive storytelling, where global rhythms converge into a singular, immersive experience. Released in 2012, this album showcases Tom Teasley’s prowess as a one-man ensemble, layering traditional, ethnic, digital, and self-created percussion instruments to craft a simulated percussion orchestra. From the West African balafon to the Irish bodhrán, and from the Middle Eastern riqq to the Roland HandSonic, Teasley weaves a rich tapestry of sound that transcends borders and traditions.

Each of the album’s nine tracks becomes a journey through distinct cultural landscapes. “Oresteia Furies Dance” sets the stage with complex balafon rhythms; “Rumba For Rama” follows with hand drums, melodica, and marimba forming a vibrant call-and-response. “Nights Over Baghdad” seduces with a haunting groove, while “Return of the Green Bird” brings airy flute-like sounds that flutter with meditative grace. Teasley draws from Indian, African, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences with a jazz foundation, crafting pieces that are as danceable as they are contemplative.

Critics praised the album’s cross-cultural audacity and artistic cohesion. As JazzTimes put it, “It’s a United Nations of sound, with Teasley at the helm, steering this sonic ark through some uncharted waters.” That quote perfectly captures the album’s essence — a fearless fusion of rhythm and spirit, animated by Teasley’s deep respect for global music traditions and his innate gift for improvisation.

All the World’s a Stage is more than a musical project — it’s a rhythmic expedition that invites the listener to move, reflect, and connect. With every note, Teasley dissolves geographic and cultural boundaries, proving that percussion is not just accompaniment — it’s a storytelling force all its own.