Customer Reviews

Blu.Black

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Loved this disc, although it wasn't as immediate as the predecessor, Zion Crossroads. Corey appears to be on a spiritual and musical journey through this life and seems intent on exploring all avenues of the past to drive his future creativity. I see Corey's roots in Blues, Reggae and World music. And while I never got to experience Bob Marley in his day, spiritually I like to think Corey is on the same plane. When I get to see him play live, I just feel like I am in the presence of greatness. If you're new to the Corey world (previous reviewer take note), I'd start with Daily Bread, then maybe taste a couple of earlier discs. This disc and Zion Crossroads are more of a Reggae slant, which is fine by me as I'm a big fan of that genre, but earlier stuff was more bluesy. Also highly recommended is the disc I bought at his shows called "Wiggins & Harris - D.C. Blues" with Corey and Phil Wiggins on harmonica - search it out on You Tube as well.

Also, for the previous reviewer, a news story from Downbeat:

Corey Harris Awarded MacArthur 'Genius' Grant
Posted 9/26/2007
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has named roots musician Corey Harris one of the 24 recipients of its 2007 MacArthur Fellowships.
The award, also known as the "genius grant," recognizes individuals from wide-ranging disciplines who show creativity, originality and a commitment to continued innovative work. The grant of $500,000 will be paid out over five years.
Harris has performed blues and reggae music all over the world. In 2003, he starred in Martin Scorsese's segment of the PBS series "The Blues," and he recently released Zion Crossroads (Telarc).
"I give thanks for this honor and look forward to sharing the fruits of this fellowship with my fellow human beings," Harris said in a news release. "Let us conquer ignorance and negativity with music and culture."

Simply put, this man is a genius, in both my opinion and the MacArthur foundation's opinion. It's great reggae blues stuff. Roots, but also amazingly original. Check this one out!

After reading the article on Mr. Harris in "Downbeat," I made the mistake of purchasing the CD. Quite simply put, it's deadingly derivative with nothing new to offer -- go to the sources, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Robert Johnson, Son House, no need to waste your money on an UnInspired White-Out!