Ben Harper
Burn to Shine

1999 - Fourth album by the Californian bluesman, once again made with the Innocent Criminals (Dean Butterworth on drums, David Leach on percussion, and the legendary, huge - musically and physically - bassist Juan Nelson). Very captivating far-west style cover and booklet.

The group pushes a bit more on the rock accelerator compared to the standards of the previous albums, in songs like: "Less," "Forgiven," and the title track. With mixed results. But it is where the band dusts off the sound of the African-American blues tradition that we can find the best of the album: "The Woman in You" and the spectacular old-style blues of "Show Me a Little Shame" (the best track of the album).
Interesting and fascinating is the sweet and enveloping swing of "Suzie Blue." "Beloved One" is a splendid ballad that touches very deep chords.

It may not be Ben Harper's best album, but it contains some gems that reach very high levels and must absolutely be listened to!