Corey Harris

This disc joins a number of great albums that explore the African roots of the blues. Think you've heard it all? Check out the spare and heartfelt sounds of the fife and drum band accompanying Harris on the tracks recorded in the U.S. And for all you world music denizens, superstar Ali Farka Toure guest stars.

Bluesman Harris made this set of field recordings in Mississippi and Mali, aiming to highlight
the music's bicontinental roots. The result is anemic and too academic -- with minimal
production values and accompaniment often consisting of kitchen-sink acoustic
pitter-patter. CHRISTIAN HOARD (RS 937, December 11, 2003)