About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Däfos' was released in 1983, Mickey Hart was already known as the drummer for the Grateful Dead, but this album marked his first major solo venture into world music. Following his earlier work on 'Rhythmatism' and collaborations with various ethnic musicians, Hart aimed to fuse traditional sounds with modern techniques.
Why it matters
'Däfos' is significant for its pioneering approach to incorporating global percussion styles into a rock framework, influencing future genres like worldbeat. It received praise for its innovative blend of rhythm and atmosphere, further establishing Hart as a serious solo artist beyond his Grateful Dead legacy.
Essential tracks
- "Reunion I / Reunion II / Reunion III" — This lengthy track showcases Hart's signature percussive layering and complex rhythms, embodying the album's core themes of connection and unity through music.
- "The Gates of Däfos" — With its hypnotic beats and mystical soundscapes, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of spiritual and cultural dimensions.
- "Passage" — As the closing piece, 'Passage' offers a reflective journey that ties together the album's diverse influences, leaving listeners with a sense of completion.
Release Date
January 1, 1983
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Dry Sands of the Desert 5:07
- 2 Ice of the North 1:21
- 3 Reunion I / Reunion II / Reunion III 9:56
- 4 Saudação Popular 5:11
- 5 Psychopomp 4:38
- 6 Subterranean Caves of Kronos 2:12
- 7 The Gates of Däfos 3:58
- 8 Passage 11:00
