Corey Harris
GREENS FROM THE GARDEN
Alligator - 4864
available on cd universe
if you are expecting a disc of straight ahead Delta Blues, you are going to be surprised because this is not that, though it is very strongly rooted in that heritage. Disappointment due to smashed expectations is common get over it. Once you over come the expectations ( nasty little buggers that they are) tremendous appreciation for the depth and scope of this disc can enter. This disc is a further extension of this extremely intelligent craftsmans attempts to delve into the bloodlines that comprise his roots. He is tracing the genealogy back as far as he can, while still staying true to his immediate roots.. An extradordinaryly intelligent and thoughtful individual emerged from a conversation with him at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He was well aware of the mixture of feelings this disc might cause, but was willing to risk the possible censure of those who would rush to judgment in order to pursue his vision. “The more deeply a person explores their roots, the better they know themselves and the better able they are to explore new ground.” That is probably not the exact quote but it is about the closest memory past will allow owing to the time lapse between speaking and writing. This disc incorporates huge portions of the African-American experience into one bold visionary album that incorporates acoustic blues, the Delta sound, gospel, second-line, R&B and much more. It is a bold statement that is pushing the boundaries of Blues to new limits. This singer songwriter has included a batch of new songs, some drastic new ideas, and a wealth of good music onto the first disc he has produced. If you can let your mind go and not be fettered by the chains of expectations than this is a disc that has its deep roots in the traditional blues sound, yet at the same time incorporates the future of the 21st century. It is a revolutionary step into the next century by one who is not afraid to stir up the roux.
Produced by Corey Harris
Songs - writers and times are not given (on the rather confusing notes)
1 introduction to the greens
2 BASEHEAD
3 HONEYSUCKLE
4 TAPADO
5 EH LA BAS
6 Interlude
7 WILD WEST
8 In the kitchen with momma
9 SWEET BLACK ANGEL
10 PAS PARLEZ
11 Interlude
12 LYNCH BLUES
13 Greens back in the day
14 CONGO SQUARE RAG
15 DIDDY WAH DIDDY
16 Ites
17 JUST A CLOSER WALK
WITH THEE
18 NOLA RAG
19 Epilogue
20 BONUS TRACK: TEABAG BLUES - from the Mermaid Avenue disc with Wilco
Corey Harris - vocals, electic lap steel,acoustic and electric guitar, whistle, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, National resophonic guitar
Musicians too numerous and type is too small land distorted by the case to make out who plays what