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Ben Harper has an eclectic body of work and has dabbled
in blues, alternative folk and 20's jazz. Harper expands his musical
aspirations as he sinks his teeth into unadulterated gospel with
the Blind Boys of Alabama. Ben Harper and the Blind Boys
have had an evolving history. After touring Europe with the legendary
group he was a participant on their breakthrough disc Higher
Ground. There Will Be A Light began as a rehearsal
collaboration record for the Blind Boys. The result is an astonishingly
well crafted gospel montage with a large amount of original material
penned by Harper specifically for the disc. Musically, the record
touches on rock, soul, country blues and even some contemporary
textures.
This is truly partnership rather than a Ben Harper solo record.
"Satisfied Mind" features The Blind Boys and Ben sharing
lead vocal duties. Harper takes control minus the Boys on the
70's slow groove "Where Could I Go", reminiscent of
such greats as Curtis Mayfield and Al Green. "11th
Commandment" serves as an acoustic prelude to a cover of
the O'Keefe/Dylan spiritual exaltation "Well,
Well, Well". The classic harmonies of the five Blind Boys
take center stage on the acapella "Mother Pray". The
disc ends with some hand clapping church gospel with "Church
On Time".
There Will Be A Light is an uplifting and poignant collection.
It comes as no surprise that the merger of these great artists
got three Grammy nominations.
-Tony Engelhart
Track Listing:
1. Take My Hand
2. Wicked Man
3. Where Could I Go
4. Church House Steps
5. 11th Commandment
6. Well, Well, Well
7. Picture Of Jesus
8. Satisfied Mind
9. Mother Pray
10. There Will Be A Light
11. Church On Time
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Ben
Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama
