In the World: From Natchez to New York is certainly a surprise. Well known as a lyrical avant-garde cornetist, Olu Dara emerges here as an effective country-blues singer and guitarist. Fortunately, Dara does not neglect his cornet but the music is definitely much different than one might expect. The material, all written by Dara, deals with country life, difficulties with love, and survival in today's society, and includes a tribute to the vegetable and fruit peddlers of yesteryear ("Okra"). A few numbers feature other vocalists and storytellers, but overall the multi-talented Dara is the main voice (both vocally and instrumentally) throughout the fascinating and successful effort. - by Scott Yanow, AMG
Artist: Olu Dara
Album: In the World. From Natchez to New York
Year: 1998
Quality: eac-flac, cue, log, artw.
Label: Atlantic (SACD, 1998)
Runtime: 47:00
Tracks:
1. Okra (Olu Dara) 4:50
2. Rain Shower (Olu Dara) 4:35
3. Natchez Shopping Blues (Olu Dara) 3:36
4. Your Lips (Olu Dara) 4:00
5. Harlem Country Girl (Olu Dara) 5:48
6. Zora (Olu Dara) 3:14
7. Young Mama (Olu Dara) 4:45
8. Bubber (If Only) (Olu Dara/Mayanna Lee) 3:04
9. Father Blues (Olu Dara) 3:32
10. Jungle Jay (Olu Dara/Nas) 5:02
11. Kiane (Olu Dara) 4:30
Personnel:
Olu Dara (Vocals, Trumpet, Cornet, Guitar, Bass Drum)
Kwatei Jones-Quartey (Guitar, Percussion) - 1-5,7,8,10,11
Ivan Ramirez (Guitar) - 1,2,4,5,10,11
Rudy Herbert (Hammond Organ) - 1,2,4,7,10,11
Alonzo Gardner (Bass Guitar) - 1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11
Richard James (Congas) - 1,2,4,7,10
Greg Bandy (Drums and Percussion) - 1,2,4,5,7,8,10
Melba Joyce (Backing Vocals) - 1-3,5
Joyce Malone (Backing Vocals) - 1,2
Cantrese Allovay (Backing Vocals) - 1,2
Darada David (Backing Vocals) - 1,2
Mayanna Lee (Vocals) - 8
Nas (Vocals) - 10