by Diana Potts
The most interesting dynamic of Telek's Serious Tam is that it's on Real World Records. The label, co-founded in 1989 by Peter Gabriel and WOMAD (World of Music Art and Dance), provides global artists with the access to state of the art recording technology and audiences beyond their region. George Telek originates from the village of Raluana, near Rabaul on the Papua New Guinean island of New Britain. Telek was an already established artist on his native island and had recorded several albums before Gabriel asked him to record for Real World. Translated, most of the songs on Serious Tam are about the common themes of daily life and passionate love. This a definite global pop album with an ethnic twist. Serious Tam's tribal drum sounds and simplicity will take the listener to a better, more serene place.