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  | CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN ~ GYPSY VOODOO
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 825479971626) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is an album by veteran British singer / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and his reinstated (some five decades after its initial formation) ensemble The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown´s partner in this new incarnation of the ensemble is bassist / studio owner Mike MorganFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Carter AirringtonFind albums by this artist, drummer Pat ManskeFind albums by this artist and (perhaps? As the album´s credits are not exactly clear about that) other musicians also take part in the recording. The album presents ten original songs, eight of which are co-credited to Brown and Morgan and two tracks are new versions of songs from the debut album from 1968. This album follows the "Zim Zam ZimFind albums with this title" album released five years earlier.
The music is less eclectic this time and offers a strong American Rock flavor, probably due to the fact it was recorded in Texas with American musicians, and is closer to Americana than to the Progressive Rock / Jazz-Rock vistas, which characterized Brown´s music in the past, with almost no traces of the theatrical Rock, which has been Brown´s modus operandi for decades. For listeners who have followed Brown´s activities over the years, like yours truly, this is a rather disappointing turn of the cards.
What is encouraging, however surprising it might sound, is the great form of Brown´s voice and his vocal abilities, which lost nothing of their charm and attraction over time. His power of expression is completely intact and remains one of the most unique and idiosyncratic on the scene. Combined with the strong melodic drive of the songs and the great instrumental work (especially the guitar), the album is still a nice listening experience, albeit less exciting than one might have hoped for.
Overall this album proves that Brown is still a formidable performer and music maker, as always operating on the fringe of popular music. With his stamina and creative juices intact, he is contributing valuable music where generation of much younger people remain brain dead.
| | Updated: 29/07/2019Posted: 29/07/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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