Percussions.org

[Matt Hunter]

I danced to the music of Guem, the pride of Niger, for several weeks in an Afro-modern dance workshop before finally discovering who was responsible for so much fantastically rhythmic music. And in fact most of the people I know who are highly inspired by Guem are also dancers, introduced to his music in dance workshops. This is a statement in itself.

The music of Guem invokes the spirit of dance in body and soul, and his latest CD is no exception.

He moves from very traditional drums to very modern tones, sounds and feelings. Those who know Guem, truly become hungry for his music. Because he is not so popular in Denmark, most of those who have discovered him are always happy to find out how to get more of his music. So the message now, is that the 'Voyage' of Guem is here.¨

The CD is aptly named because it will certainly cause you to travel not only in space, but time.

Song titles from the CD such as 'Touba', 'Universe', and 'Liberty', demonstrate the expansiveness and freedom of this music. He paints colors and moods with rhythm. But what distinguishes this CD from the music of other drum masters is not so much the virtuousity of the musicians, as Guem's ability to blend sounds and rhythms in a very unique way. This CD illustrates the fact that Guem doesn't only play the drums, but that he is an avant-garde percussion composer as well.

Matt Hunter