By Paul Acquaro
Will Guthrie is a percussionist from France who, in addition to his growing discography of solo recordings, also plays in the group Ames Room. Guthrie is a subtle player who is quite comfortable with space and texture, which is highlighted on a new solo recording Sacrée Obsession coming out on LP and tape in the fall.
Sacrée Obsession starts out quietly, a solemn introduction of ringing metals – cymbals and gongs – pulls the listener into an austere and reverent listening space. Slowly, like watching a drawing being made, Guthrie paints an ambient image. The second side of the LP begins with an even quieter wash of sound, power rising from with the vibrations of the cymbals. the percussionist then introduces a new set of ideas – playing the rims, chimes and additional cymbals – and the textures from the opening are reversed.
Solo percussion, to me, is a tricky endeavor. I often find the start of it interesting, but then my interest wanes. Not the case with Sacrée Obsession – Guthrie’s concept, use of physical space, and subsequent use of percussion is captivating. This album, which was recorded in 2014 in Chapelle St Jean, Mulhouse and in 2015 at Le Lieu Unique, Nantes will be one to seek out.
Will Guthrie is touring the US this month, playing several dates in the upcoming weeks. See http://will-guthrie.com/, and click ‘News’ for a complete list of dates.
Listen below:
