Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some interesting new CD releases

Roswell Road,”Rebel Joy” (Self Released)- The debut album from London based multi-instrumentalists Jasmine Watkiss and Zoe Wren was five years in the making but I’m happy to inform potential listeners that their patience will be amply rewarded. The duo have paid their dues in no uncertain fashion via a globe trotting touring schedule that has included visits to such far flung locations as Spain, Canada and Germany., and the experiences that they’ve enjoyed along the way have informed the subtly crafted content of a beautifully harmonised collection which mines a rich vein of melodic Americana with a memorable blend of honesty, charm and grace. The subject matter of their material is nothing if not eclectic too, with songs which tackle a diverse array of topics including life on a Greenpeace ship, female emancipation and the delights of living an unconventional lifestyle.”Can’t Take My Soul” and “Holy Mountain” are musical highlights.

Various Artists,”Soul To Soul” (Wienerworld)- This energised live CD has been culled from the soundtrack of a 1971 documentary film which traced the exploits of a string of top notch American soul, rock, jazz and gospel performers as they travelled to the West African state of Ghana in an attempt to explore the ancestral roots of the vibrant music which had brought them fame and fortune. The list of participants who appeared on stage at Black Star Square in Accra included luminaries such as The Staple Singers, Ike and Tina Turner, Santana and the undoubted star of the show Wilson Pickett, who regaled his highly receptive audience with some rabble rousing gems from his illustrious back catalogue such as “In The Midnight Hour,” “Funky Broadway” and “Land of 1000 Dances.” A very good time was obviously had by all concerned in a unique cross cultural celebration of Ghana’s Independence Day.