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.
The Billy Gibson Band
Live at Rum Boogie Cafe
Erisa Rei
Glass Jar
VARIOUS- TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
SAVE YOUR SOUL
ELMORE JAMES, JR AND THE BLUESDUSTERS
BABY PLEASE SET A DATE
GARY ALLEGRETTO
MANY SHADES OF BLUE
SHAUN MURPHY
TROUBLE WITH LOVIN'
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