Just looking at the CD package, I knew this would be a vibrant CD. A second look at the artists contributing to this CD, and I realized that this would be something special. Reading the cover, I learn that this is a benefit CD for the Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund’s campaign to save wild salmon, ancient forests and free-flowing waterways. Certainly a worthy cause. And most certainly a worthy line-up of musicians. The list reads like a Jazz, Blues, and Folk Hall of Fame roster-J.J. Cale, Ani DiFranco, Keb’ Mo’, Branford Marsalis, Joe Louis Walker, Tracy, Nelson, Roomful of Blues, Marvis Staples, Loudin Wainwright III, Alvin Youngblood Hart, The Robert Cray Band, Ruth Brown, Ratdog with Charles Musselwhite, and Etta James. In addition to the music, the CD is enhanced with videos detailing the cause for which the CD’s profits will be used.
With detailed narrative, photographs, and a few sound effects thrown in, the video gives the history and bacground of the Fund’s campaign. However great the cause, the music on this CD is more than enough of a reason to buy this package. Some of the songs in the compilation were written recently and specifically for the cause, while others were written years ago, but were put on this CD because they relate to the idea of resource preservation and perseverance; the cause behind the cause. The insert to the CD package provides the listener with a short narrative of the meaning of each song’s relation to this Earthjustice Defense Fund project.
With his crisp, clear, and cool delivery, J.J. Cale opens this excellent CD with "Stone River." Written exclusively for the project, this tune, newly released on this CD, laments what happens when we lose our precious resources. On the second track, Ani DiFranco offers her unique idea and blunt musical style on "Fuel." In addition to Cale’s tune, other songs recorded exclusively for this project, include: Marvis Staples’ "I’ll Fly Away," Alvin Youngblood Hart’s "Rollin’ River," and Ratdog with Charles Musselwhite’s newly released version of the classic "Take Me to the River." The Robert Cray Band provides a previously unreleased live version of "The Forcast (Calls for Pain)." Of course, the high quality and enjoyability of this compilations shows that every artist on this CD made an exclusive contribution.
This CD is a must-have addition to a blues/jazz collection. It’s cool, entertaining, and educational. You can’t ask for much more than this on a CD.
- Dave Geller
*****