The idea behind YBFREE.com is to showcase talent that is rare and unheard of. Talent that doesn't seem to get the same play as Madonna or Aaliyah. Sure, we write about them, because we love them, too, but for every story about the breakout performance of Nelly, there is another story to be told. One of a musician who goes back to his roots and produces music that mixes an old style with the new. Music that should be on New York's 1035.5 KTU, but somehow isn't.

      Andy Graham has been a musician for over 15 years, playing drums for various rock bands. Graham has developed a passion for the art known as African Hand Percussion. That was in 1991. Then in 1994, Graham got into an instrument known as Aboriginal Didgeridoo. The instrument is ancient and rather unique. Graham discovered a way to combine this instrument with his drum kit to make it easier for him to switch from drums to the ancient instrument.

      It didn't take long, but Graham soon learned to fuse African drums with three of these ancient instruments so that he could play both simultaneously. His new solo act has culminated in the release of his first CD, Primal Elements. While it has been over a year since this CD has been released, it is very probable that you have never heard of it. They don't seem to play it at all.

      Recently while at the PC Expo, I was able to hear Graham perform and I picked up his CD and gave it a listen. For music without words, it is pretty damn good. Most of the songs, in fact, all of them contain phat beats that keep your head nodding, even when you aren't aware of it. It has this electronica feel to it, but also maintains a traditional feel due to the instruments being played. The music is rather hypnotizing. I felt mellow and comforted as the music played and I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I normally don't appreciate music like that. The song Evolution is just the beginning of it all. Tantra continues this trend making you want to lay back and just think happy thoughts. Rite of Passage is cool as it sounds similar to the first two songs, but adds a rhythmic breathing that starts off slowly and then increases in speed, giving it a pumped up feel perfect for any form of exercise you desire. It kicks ass! Thunder and Djembe sound too similar to the first two songs and Solitude lasts so long, over twenty minutes, which is pretty cool, cause as you listen, you too begin to feel as if you were in solitude. Pretty deep stuff here.

      Andy Graham plays music that just feels right. It's good for the mind, as it is very comforting. The beats were phat and the music gets intense in certain areas. This is one of those unknown treasures. There is talk of him working on movie soundtracks and appearing on national television. Wherever he goes nest, be sure to give him a listen. You'll wonder why you never heard of him before.

      Are you an Andy Graham fan? Drop me a line and let me know what you thought about this review and the album! Send your comments and questions to JMinners@ybfree.com

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