The Drum Also Sings
(2026)
“The Drum Also Sings” explores the deep, emotional resonance of rhythm through powerful, percussion-driven storytelling. This project emerged from cultivating an inner dialogue in moments that can sometimes feel hopeless, using the drum as both an instrument of expression and a tool for introspection. Woven with sounds that evoke joy, sorrow, and everything in between, this music is made for healing.
Dave King / Gustavo Cortiñas / Isaiah Spencer
While writing for this project, I sought out the elements that I believe give us strength in difficult times: community, spirituality, and ancestry. It became clear to me that this message of healing should not come solely from my perspective, but should instead reflect the power of plurality and diversity. Isaiah Spencer and Dave King are two of the most creative, musical, and melodically minded drummers I know, and I felt that together we could craft a broad palette of phrases, grooves, and textures on the drums.
A strong and diverse feminine presence was essential to the spirit of this album. Angelina Suyul (Chiapas, MX), La Paula Herrera (Chile), Maryta de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina), and Angel Bat Dawid (Chicago, IL) each brought their own perspectives on healing through song, spoken word, improvisation, and prayer. I hope our message resonates with you.
“The Drum Also Sings” pays homage to the master Max Roach. It carries forward the tradition of melodic drumming that he championed, alongside artists such as Papa Jo Jones and Roy Haynes - just three among the great lineage of drummers. I dedicate this project to my mentor Johnny Vidacovich: one of the most melodic musicians ever to draw sound from the drum, and one of the kindest beings I have ever encountered.
PRESS:
“this ambitious work stands among the most compelling and thought-provoking releases of 2026…This is not simply a jazz album. It is art in its purest form.”
“The Drum Also Sings stays with you because of the emotional space it opens rather than the sheer force of the playing. By the end of the album, the drums no longer feel purely percussive. They sound vulnerable. Human.”
“Cortiñas hace 'cantar' al tambor”
“From Mexico City to New Orleans to Chicago, In Search of Creativity and Community”
Working Drummer Podcast - thedrumclick.com
“the latest album by the impressive and noted drummer polymath Gustavo Cortiñas does indeed sing but also gesticulates and splashing around in describing both the abstract and the visceral.”
“Una de las voces más propositivas del jazz contemporáneo en Chicago”
Domingos en Vocalo: Así Suena Chicago INTERVIEW
“powerful performance…an electrifying album...”
“Here’s something very rare…It’s an extraordinary affair, which pays homage in particular to one of the most celebrated (and “melodic”) jazz drummers of the past, Max Roach.”
“The album’s opener pulls listeners in with its first heartbeat”
“El baterista y compositor mexicano explora la profunda resonancia emocional del ritmo a través de una narración poderosa impulsada por la percusión…Su música unifica tiempo y espacio, lo que converge en la unión de elementos que nos mueve por el pasado, presente y futuro”
Casa de la Cultura Popular - Puerto Rico
“Este disco propone una visión musical que viene de las raíces de nuestra ancestralidad y de la pluralidad de los pueblos”
“intense, polyrhythmic jazz improvisation…”
“A multicultural tribute to Max Roach.”
“Gustavo Cortinas Revoluciona el Jazz Mexicano con su Innovador Proyecto”
“The drums are not only in the foreground here, but they're also to the left and right of you and even in front of you with three complete sets of drums performing music…Connect me to THAT infusion, brothers, and turn it off so it doesn't COOL"
VIDEOS:
This unique recording project was documented in video by Cortiñas’s long time creative partner: filmmaker and philosopher, Zack Sievers.