Corey Harris
Zion Crossroads
Telarc - 83656
available on cd universe
Corey Harris has been on a journey to explore the roots of the blues, and its journey from Africa to the many branches that manifest in American Music. This is an integral part of the journey considering the divergent paths and influences blues music has taken before it gets to the shores of North America. This is the stop in Jamaica and its Reggae community and its specialized beats and, very importantly, the political consciousness that infuses its music that have become so prevalent and influential in all the music that is on the airwaves now. He wrote all the songs but one, and that is the traditional "Walter Rodney”. His band is very solid behind
him and shows great dexterity with the music. Keeping soloing down to a minimum so it is more a group effort, which doesn’t mean people don’t get to step to the front though it is more an ensemble short burst form of taking the solo. A very interesting and intriguing disc, that leads to the question as to where his next stop will be (Zydeco?).