The Divine Drummer

Guy Warren (aka "Kofi Ghanaba") was a pioneer of African and American drumming who played with some major jazz figures. But Divine Drummer, recorded in London in 1969 and 1970, is definitely not jazz, nor is it exactly African music. It goes beyond anything, as a unique statement. Warren plays a staggering variety of percussion instruments — in addition to piano, harmonica, marimba, and other things — all with plenty of fire (but also, underneath it, a sense of humor). But really, it's his drumming that's the raison d'etre for this album, and he really approaches that as an African artist — his drumming isn't simply a rhythm, it's a totality of beat, melody, and spirit that takes frequent flight into the free form and avant-garde. And he uses literally everything at his disposal — even clearing his throat becomes a musical statement. This is, really, a highly evolved statement of musical personality with some incredible musicianship — but maybe not for musical novices.