Customer Reviews

Desire Develops An Edge

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My favorite of Kip's albums, and one of my favorite albums period. Beautiful compositions, excellent vocals by Jack Bruce. Vast musical territory is covered with ease; each song takes on a different style, and yet the songs flow together well. All of the musicians on this album are virtuosos, playing with a passionate intensity. Fusing Latin rhythms, funk, rock, Afro-pop, jazz, and god knows what else, Kip manages to create a totally unique style. And if that weren't enough (and it would be), Kip's poetry is stirring, innovative, profound, heightening even further the listener's experience. I can't recommend this one highly enough.

I'm surprised more people haven't taken up the cause for this exceptional album. Start with the talent: Kip Hanrahan, Jack Bruce, Steve Swallow, Arto Lindsay, a collection of the best Cuban and Haitian percussionists and John Stubblefield AND Ricky Ford on tenor sax. The result is an utterly original sound; melding Afro-Cuban rythyms, classic rock & roll guitar licks, and some unhinged jazz riffing with Bruce's entrancing vocal stylings and Hanrahan's lyrical writing. This is an album that has rewarded each listen for nearly twenty years. It is dense, complex, and unpredictable yet the melodies stick in your head immediately. "Working Class Boys" and "Her Boyfriend..." are unflinching but beautiful character studies. "Don't Complicate The Life" and "What is this Dance Anyway?" both jump with the explosive congas. Buy this album for yourself and be prepared to begin buying it for your friends...

I echo the praise of the other reviewers....the combo of the superb Haitian and American players, with Hanrahan's lyrices and Jack Bruce's vocals is uncategorizeable and priceless....

I heard a cut on college radio shortly after this was released. I went and bought it then, and have been enchanted since. It has a certain afro-cuban subtle jazzy feel throughout, but with its own poetic verve. Very varied but consistent. My opinion is right along with the other reviews. When you slip it in the cd player during some party, you will eventually notice ears pricking up of those who appreciate something enjoyable, of substance, and different.