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.
RAY MANZAREK AND ROY ROGERS
TRANSLUCENT BLUES
Seth Walker
Leap of Faith
KENNY 'BLUES BOSS' WAYNE
Rollin' With The Blues Boss
SUSAN TEDESCHI
BACK TO THE RIVER
Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers
Love Whip Blues
VANCE GILBERT
BaD Dog Buffet
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