In Suspect Terrain (1986)
Ex-Santana Drummer’s Long Lost 2nd Solo LP
I’m actually kinda excited about this post. Having searched the internet far and wide to replace my ancient, dilapidated cassette, and after having it posted on The Boat’s “wants list” for well over a year, a kind soul (Jitterbug Boy) went to the trouble of grabbing this at a local record store just to rip and submit it for our edification. I can’t thank him enough. Even though much of Michael Shrieve’s catalog is readily available, In Suspect Terrain, the second solo album from Santana’s former drummer (yeah… that amazing kid from Woodstock), has never even been issued on CD, somehow falling through the cracks of his discography. Sad because, to these ears, it’s precisely what a drummer’s solo album should be about… drums. In Suspect Terrain features almost nothing but percussion… mesmerizing beats, rhythms, effects and atmosphere. No “songs,” no vocals, no bullshit. Bassist extraordinaire Jonas Hellborg appears on a couple of tracks, helping Shrieve to stylistically defy categorization and expectations. In later years, with higher profile albums, Shrieve would dive deep into jazz/rock improv with the likes of Buckethead, Klaus Schulze and Bill Frisell, among others, but this album is so obscure The All Music Guide doesn’t even have it listed, as if it never existed, and if it has ever been online before, its been well-hidden. In Suspect Terrain is not for all tastes, but drum connoisseurs and fans of the unique and obscure are finally invited to check it out. Listen to “Swamp,” below. Thanks JB.
Tide (Once By The Pacific) (1:10)
Interlock (7:27)
Ratatouille (4:01)
Swamp (6:12)
Nightingale (2:39)
In Suspect Terrain (5:23)
Oasis (6:21)
Orangutan (4:20)
One comment
Get it HERE.