Corey Harris - Blu.Black

More than just a blues musician, Corey Harris, the guitarist-vocalist-songwriter, has explored the true essence of the blues, reggae, jazz, gospel and other roots music by studying and celebrating their origins in diverse cultural centres from Ethiopia, Mali, Jamaica, Appalachia, Europe and beyond.

'Zion Crossroads', Harris' 2007 recording on Telarc was a reggae-flavoured set that reflected his travels to Ethiopia. The intersection of art, history and culture remains at the core of 'Blu.Black', which is a collection of thirteen primarily blues, roots and reggae original songs and one Burning Spear cover that examine the African-American story of earlier centuries and connect it to present day and future generations.

Personnel: Corey Harris (guitar, vocals), Chris Peanuts Whitley (keyboards), Gordon Jones (saxophone), Ralph du'Jour (bass), George Penn (drums) and others