Ben Harper

and the Innocent Criminals--

Burn to Shine (Virgin)

Ben Harper calls upon a rogues gallery of funkified sidepersons-- the Real Time Jazz Band ("Suzie Blue"), instrumentalist David Lindley ("In the Lord’s Arms") and reggae axeman Tyrone Downie-- to aid flavorings to his fourth down-home set of buttery soul and electric gospel-folk. Harper’s easy-rolling mid-tempo style is infectious, and he’s got a way with the slow dance, but he doesn’t always convince when he rocks out. Hit around the house: "Steal My Kisses." For more on Harper’s philosophy of life and guitar tunings, log on at www.benharper.com

-- Don Harrison