Tom Teasley

Global Groovilization (2003)

Global Groovilization is a genre-defying ride through rhythm, rooted in jazz and funk but propelled by the pulse of global percussion. Released in 2003, this groundbreaking album is one of Tom Teasley’s earliest statements of musical diplomacy — a vibrant mix of world traditions and modern improvisation, held together by an infectious commitment to groove. Whether he's playing hand drums, marimba, or electronic pads, Teasley’s touch is both refined and raw, bringing an immediacy that invites movement as much as meditation.

Each of the album’s nine tracks is a distinct sound-world. From the earthy stomp of “Dirt Road Dancin’” to the Middle Eastern sway of “Reflections of the Nile,” Teasley acts as both composer and sonic cartographer, charting a rhythmic path across cultures. A standout moment comes in his interpretation of Chick Corea’s “Crystal Silence,” where shimmering melodic textures are reimagined with percussive nuance, showcasing his ability to bridge jazz sensibility with global instrumentation.

Critics responded enthusiastically to the album’s balance of sophistication and soul. Spin the Globe, World Music – KAOS, Olympia, WA, described it as “A 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.” That quote gets right to the heart of it: this album doesn’t just showcase percussion — it speaks through it.

Global Groovilization remains a defining example of Teasley’s vision for world jazz fusion. It’s playful, percussive, and rich in both cultural reference and artistic originality. More than just a record, it’s a rhythmic manifesto — an invitation to explore the universal language of groove across continents and traditions.