Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals - Burn to Shine

Burn to Shine presents proof positive that you can always distill the essence of rock & roll down to a solitary man alone with his guitar and conscience. It sounds inventive yet firmly rooted in the blues-rock singer/songwriter/guitarist tradition of Taj Mahal and of Neil Young and Cat Stevens at their most confessional. Harper's guitar with falsetto vocal in "The Woman in You" even suggests a Curtis Mayfield tune in the hands of Prince. "Steal My Kisses" is one of those uncluttered, radio-friendly rock shuffles that simply makes you bob your head and feel better. Even Harper's detours -- like the wobbling New Orleans shuffle with the Real Time Jazz Band, "Suzie Blue," and charred Black Sabbath metal in "Less" -- prove worth exploring. Other cameos include guitarists David Lindley and former Bob Marley sideman Tyrone Downey. Burn to Shine is a minor masterpiece that may prove to be not so minor. ~ Chris Slawecki, All Music Guide

Name Credits Annalisa Photography Ben Elder Research Ben Harper Guitar, Vocals Bruce Bishop Guitar Dan Steinberg Assistant Engineer, Engineer Dave Collins Mastering David Firman Bass David Leach Percussion David Lindley Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin Dean Butterworth Drums, Drums (Snare) Eric Sarafin Mixing, Harmonium, Engineer, Recorder, Piano Eve Butler Violin Geoff Walcha Mixing Assistant J.P. Plunier Design, Art Direction, Producer James Leigh Trombone Jim Bogen Clarinet Joel Derouin Violin Jon Clarke Horn (English), Oboe Juan Nelson Bass Matt Funes Viola Michael Fay Banjo Mike King Design, Illustrations Nick Rich Human Beatbox Real Time Jazz Band ? Richard Barnes Washboard Steve Gamberoni Mixing Assistant Suzie Katayama Cello, String Arrangements Tom Dolan Design Tyrone Downe Keyboards Tyrone Downie Keyboards