Harriet Tubman: Prototype
He enlisted drummer J. T. Lewis who has played with everyone from Tina Turner to Henry Threadgill and guitarist Brandon Ross who has recorded with Butch Morris, Cassandra Wilson, and Gibb’s Cold Sweat (James Brown) project.
The music is a viscous mix of pounding bass, borderline distortion and whirling drums. The passive parts anticipate the thunder to come and Gibbs can bring the noise. Lewis is a multidirectional drummer, not forced into simple grooves or single thoughts. His clever beats keep this affair on the adventurous side. Ross’ guitar (to his credit) doesn’t get caught up in playing follow the noise. He weaves interesting lines above, behind, but rarely in conjunction with the powerhouse Gibbs. This music will move you, although dancing to it might be risky business.
Track Listing
Of Passage; Slide Rule; My New Puppy; There Goes The Neighborhood; The Prototype; Adapted; Chief Of Police; Frozen Fire; Wild Seed; Where We Stand.
Personnel
Brandon Ross
Album information
Title: Prototype | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Avant