Performer Notes

& The Innocent Criminals.
The Innocent Criminals: Ben Harper (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Juan Nelson (bass); Dean Butterworth (drums); David Leach (percussion).
Personnel: Ben Harper (vocals, guitar); Bruce Bishop (guitar); David Lindley (banjo, mandolin, fiddle); Michael Fay (banjo); Eve Butler, Joel Derouin (violin); Matthew Funes (viola); Suzie Katayama (cello); Eric Sarafin (recorder, piano, harmonium); Jim Bogen (clarinet); Jon Clarke (oboe, English horn); James Leigh (trombone); Tyrone Downe, Tyrone Downie (keyboards); Dean Butterworth (drums, snare drum); Richard Barnes (washboard); David Leach (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Eric Sarafin.
Illustrator: Mike King.
Photographer: Annalisa .
Unknown Contributor Role: Real Time Jazz Band.
By using a wide range of influences and styles, singer/songwriter Ben Harper manages to create a harmonious gem with BURN TO SHINE. Fans of Harper will not be thrown off by his dynamic versatility. In fact, new listeners will be drawn to the buffet of moods and emotions. "Steal My Kisses" is an up-tempo folk track that features a bit of human beat-boxing underneath. Harper's soft ballad voice shines bright on "Beloved One." Other tracks to check out are "Alone" and "The Woman in You," which both show off the tender side of Harper's songwriting. If you looking to rock outright, check out the title cut and "Forgiven."

Professional Reviews

Spin (11/99, p.193) - 7 out of 10 - "...His delivery becomes its own kind of theater: It's the sound of someone desperate enough to scream - for blood, for truth, for anything that's real. It's those transformations...that light up Harper's dauntingly eclectic fourth effort..."

Q (11/99, p.124) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...On a song called 'Forgiven' he uses his muscle in surging bursts, counterpointing quiet acoustic verses to catch the turmoil of his preoccupation with earthly wickedness and divine grace..."

Mojo (Publisher) (10/99, p.120) - "...the hoarse entreaties, the uncoiling curls of slide guitar, the religiose imagery, the smouldering verses bursting into flaming choruses - [are] all present on [BURN], along with several new features that suggest the guitarist's trying to broaden his stylistic palette."