Khalid Kouhen at Jazz in Rabat: The Rhythm Before the Music
Khalid Kouhen, a talented percussionist, views music as a profound expression of passion, listening, and the art of sharing. During his recent participation at the Jazz in Rabat festival, he highlighted the significance of collaborative encounters that unite artists from diverse backgrounds. Through these interactions, he reflects on invaluable lessons imparted by his mentors, emphasizing the virtues of patience, sharing, and the intimate relationship that develops between a musician and their instrument. This year, Kouhen is particularly excited about his collaboration with the Portuguese musicians of the Amara Quartet, recalling how his Brazilian teacher instilled in him a belief in the universality of music and the importance of conveying art with conviction. Another pivotal influence in his life was his Indian percussion master, who taught him that the essence of transmission goes beyond mere instrumental learning; it encompasses a total immersion in culture and daily experiences. From these mentor-student relationships, Kouhen has gleaned insights into the need for trust and the patience required to master any instrument, which in turn fuels his passion for music.
As he prepares to perform with Amara Quartet, Kouhen appreciates how these Portuguese musicians have reinvented fado, intertwining it with modern expressions, which he intends to showcase through his own composition. He describes this piece as intricate, transformed by the quartet into something truly magnificent, enriched with a poetic touch. At the core of Kouhen's philosophy lies a fundamental lesson: percussion is a bodily experience, with rhythm being an organic essence that defines our existence. It is the rhythm of life itself, the foundational element learned even before one engages with string instruments. This serves as a poignant reminder that rhythm precedes music itself, existing long before melodies are crafted.
As reported by youtube.com.
