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CD Review by Amy: Burn to Shine illuminates Harper's talent

Date 2/15/2001 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & Culture

The Ben Harper release, Burn to Shine, showcases Harper's wide-ranging talent in songwriting. There are aggressive tracks driven by electric guitar, and more somber songs that combine acoustic guitar with string arrangements. There are songs that soak in a penetrating bass sound, and tracks that incorporate brass vibrations.

The opening of "Two Hands of a Prayer" evokes a sense of foreboding with its layering of chimes, bass, and guitar. Harper's voice and the acoustic guitar complement each other, while the bass drum and string arrangements resonate with emotive tonality.

Exploring a story-line of bittersweet memories, Harper sings, "Time it slowly drips into the past and finds a home where heart echoes rest." Harper's ability to combine such diverse sounds with poetic lyrics makes "Two Hands of a Prayer" an album highlight.

"Suzie Blues" is unique, entering in a yellow-filmed static, giving it a country-blues type feeling. From the introduction, the song slides into jazz instrumentation. While Harper's voice does not quite capture the jazz characteristics achieved with the instruments, the song shows Harper's ability to experiment in and amongst other genres of music.

The single off the album, "Steal My Kisses," is a free-spirited track with a beat-box jam session intro, sliding bass and bouncing guitar. It is a playful rendering of unrequited love.

Speaking of love, "Beloved One" features string arrangements that produce lush sounds, accompanying the emotional strains conveyed in Harper's voice. The piano contributes to the declaration of love expressed in the lyrics, while delicate violins are laced throughout.

Overall, the album has the ability to charm and disturb. Burn to Shine creates a path across an emotional landscape, cleverly infusing a mature sense of lyric writing with an above average comprehension of the importance of the instrumental voice. For listeners who seek an album that is creatively charged, "Burn to Shine" exceeds satisfaction.

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Amy Domaszek
Chips Staff Writer

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