Michael Shrieve - 1989 "The Big Picture"

The Big Picture is a collaborative album by Michael Shrieve and David Beal, released in 1988 through Fortuna Records.

This collaboration between Shrieve and the talented young drummer David Beal is an electronic percussion tour-de-force with epic rhythms, powerful melodies, and broad textural brushstrokes. Amazingly enough, this innovative album fell through the cracks when it was first released and didn't get nearly the attention or distribution it deserved. 

Two of the foremost drummers of rock and new age blend their exceptional talents with the latest technology to create a landmark album. On The Big Picture, Michael Shrieve and David Beal produce fully orchestrated music using electronic drum pads and digital samplings. Through this system, a drum-pad can sound like a trumpet, violin, voice, or it can create a completely new sound. Though originally composed on computer, all the music on The Big Picture was played entirely with drumsticks.

This album is a refreshing celebration of rhythm and melody. The pieces compose a dazzling menu, ranging from the exotic to the mischievous, all sharing a compelling vibrancy and excitement.

The Big Picture opens a new door for percussionists. It puts the percussionist on a plane with traditional front line soloists and it elevates him to orchestral arranger, with infinite combinations of sounds, timbres, rhythms, and instrumentations at his disposal.

Michael Shrieve was the legendary drummer for the group Santana. He appeared at Woodstock with Santana and recorded eight albums with the group. He has also recorded on three albums released by the legendary German synthesist, Klaus Schulze. He released his first solo recording entitled Transfer Station Blue (17023-2) on the Fortuna label which features Klaus Schulze and Michael's brother, Kevin Shrieve. Michael co-wrote the music for the film The Bedroom Window.

David Beal has an acute sense of discipline and boundless knowledge of percussion and electronics. He has played with a wide variety of top names in the music business including the Cleveland Philharmonic, jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan and rockers like Joe Cocker, Peter Gabriel, and Madonna.

THE BIG PICTURE, Michael Shrieve and David Beal produce fully orchestrated music using electronic drum pads and digital samplings. Through this system, a drum-pad can sound like a trumpet, violin, voice, or it can create a completely new sound. Though originally composed on computer, all the music on THE BIG PICTURE was played entirely with drumsticks. This album is a refreshing celebration of rhythm and melody. The pieces compose a dazzling menu, ranging from the exotic to the mischievous, all sharing a compelling vibrancy and excitement. THE BIG PICTURE opens a new door for percussionists. It puts the percussionist on a plane with traditional front line soloists and elevates him to orchestral arranger, with infinite combinations of sounds, timbres, rhythms, and instrumentations at his disposal.

Tracklist:

1     The Invisible Architect     5:45
2     Mon Amie     4:08
3     Unspeakable Dawn     7:09
4     Izibongo     5:23
5     Shaman's Drum     5:30
6     The Big Picture     6:05
7     Rocked In The Cradle Of The Deep     5:24
8     Iron Voices     4:75

Personnel:

Michael Shrieve - Composer, Performer, Primary Artist, Producer
Andrew Aturmer - Guitar (Acoustic)
David Beal - Composer, Performer, Primary Artist, Producer