The second installation in the “Slide to Freedom” blues/Indian fusion music series, “Make a Better World” is an interesting listen. Hearing a sitar make noises that blues or slide guitars usually make is disorienting and fun. Doug Cox and Salil Bhatt’s collaboration here is a fine presentation which can be riveting at times, as Indian music often is, but it can also seem forced at times. Weak lyrics and reused rhythms on some tracks take away from the strength the production, but interested listeners may be willing to overlook these deficiencies. Others may not notice such troubles at all, as the performances by all of the contributors are believable and competent. “Slide to Freedom 2: Make a Better World” is available from Northernblues Music in 2009.
JON ZEEMAN
Down On My Luck
THE KNICKERBOCKER ALL-STARS
OPEN MIC AT THE KNICK
BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES
BLUES SHOCK
Robin McKelle
HEART OF MEMPHIS
WARREN STORM
TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM
DONA OXFORD
Step Up
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