Reviews
Bill Meeham - Songwriter/July 2008
Alex Weiss & Different Drum’s unique sound of warm rhythms, airy melodies and tight arrangements retain the power of timeless communication. A journey of exceptional sound exploration and virtuosity...endlessly distinctive!
Songs of Hope & Protest
Bob Slentz-Kesler – Author/June 2008
A lush, invigorating romp of music and poetry. Percussion, flutes, voices, guitars, horns, ambient forest sounds, satire, seriousness, playfulness: “Songs of Hope and Protest” explodes with Alex’ sharp wit and musicality. Prepare to be soothed, agitated, and entertained.
World and Jazz beautifully collide.
Cameron Blades/World Rhythm Webzine:Global Music and Culture/April 2007
Alex Weiss and Different Drum present their view of world music and jazz in a unique manner... On "May Dayze" the klezmer-like horns are supported by the congas truly mixes cultural boundaries. "The High Way West" gives off a Western-styled cowboy melody on a high-pitched harmonica yet once again the rhythms take you beyond the lonesome prairie of Hollywood movie scores.
Durham Musician's Latest Work has Feel of Home
Cliff Bellamy/The Herald Sun/July 2006
On Alex Weiss's latest CD release "North of the Border" (July 2006, Silent Dayze Music, BMI): "North of the Border has an invitingly informal quality...The combination of brass, winds, guitar, and percussion creates a "large-small ensemble" feel to these compositions...the music also has an infectious warmth.
Music Spotlight: Finding Alex Weiss
Joe Vanderford/Independent /May 2004
Constructed like a long meandering suite, the 14 cuts that comprise Beautiful Melody (May 2004, Silent Dayze Music, BMI) are strangely unified. A soft bed of percussion cushions the presentation without dominating it. Though Weiss and his mates are capable improvisers, gratuitous soloing is taboo. Instead brass, woodwinds, and softly plucked strings rise up, establish a mood and fade away anonymously into the ether.
Multiculturalism helps Shape Musician
The Chapel Hill Herald/May 2003
Different Drum has become a regular in the town's (Carrboro, NC) "Entertainment Adventures" familiy series over the years. He's a favorite with us and the community. Alex is a multi-talented musician. He does a great family show!
Rhythm Jugglers
Independent/July 2000
Different Drum is a band of rhythm-jugglers...performers superimpose a jazzer's sense of high improv upon hot-footed funk imported from Pan-Africa, Brazil, and Caribbean islands.
Nourishment CD Review
Joe Vanderford/June 2000
...the myriad rhythms massage my senses. Imagine cracking the lid on an aromatic pot of homemade soup: The first sniff is a rush. I hungrily spoon up the stew of hot congas, bubbling bass and horns aplenty. Sonically speaking, dinner is served.