QI: Earth Rhythms

Gregor Theelen seems to be in love with rhythm. This album is billed as "intuitive music with live percussion," but even the music itself is very rhythmically based, revolving around beats and samples more than long melodies. But that works in his favor, giving a sense of constant motion to the music, as the percussion develops interchanges and works around beats suggested in the music. While the titles suggest different aspects of world music - "African Heartbeat," for example, or "Raga For The Intuitive Mind" - the sounds themselves aren't so much global as personal, with some influences, as it's apparent that Theelen has taken a great deal on board in his rhythmic journey through life. And the overall effect isn't one of overwhelming percussion, but rather a trance state from the beat. There's plenty of imagination going on her, and the work of a soul who's searching for something through his music - and is obviously on his way to finding it. Even though "Heaven Can Wait" doesn't have the progression and dynamism of the other cuts, this remains an excellent listening experience for body and mind.