“This CD is a masterpiece. The qualities of multi-instrumental percussionist Günter Sommer are well known, even in the context of free music, where his playing reveals an uncompromising commitment to clarity and form. On this CD, his music has found a formal density that is rare in jazz. Perhaps this is also due to a mature playing style, or as Günter Sommer himself says: 'The big, long playing processes have given way to shorter aphorisms'. The CD is a masterpiece not only because of its perfect clarity, but also because of its rich content, the “true stories” that find their pure expression here. That sounds solemn, but Günter Sommer wouldn't be “Baby” if these stories didn't also have their vitalistic impetus—and their humorous depths. The sound of this production is outstanding, which is important for a sound freak like Günter Sommer. His percussion is crystal clear, played with perfect technique but such a warm touch that even when performing show-off figures on the snare, there is never that icy coldness that is so characteristic of many high-tech drummers. He treats his additional instruments, whether harmonica or shawm, with mischievousness and upright respect, so that their use never becomes a gimmick."
Thomas Fitterling, Jazzpodium, Germany, April 1994
„I'm pleased to report that German improvisational percussionist Sommer's lastest solo album sounds like many things, but never a drum solo. He often plays melodically, favoring tuned concert toms; sometimes he sings along. The emphasis is on texture and timbre as much as rhythm. Before the sound of drums can become monotonous, Sommer has switched to gongs, tubular bells, darabuka, hammered dulcimer, or non-percussive instruments like harmonica, shawm, and bandoneon. He isn't afraid of silence, and shows no sign of tehcnical display for its own sake. Many years of this kind of solo playing have developed into a quiet mastery."
Mark Sullivan, Option, Los Angeles, USA, 55/199
