Jessie HarperGuitar Absolution in the Shade of the Midnight Sun
Released 1994 on Kissing Spell (UK)
Reviewed by full metal jacket, 11/06/2001ce
As for the music, it is great late 60'S british psych heavily influenced by Hendrix and Harper's own personal theological beliefs. When I first bought the CD, put in my CD player and heard the lead off track "Wake Me" I was floored. The feedback introduction followed by the wah -wah rhythmn and driving drum pattern is soooo incredible! When Harper sings the lyrics "Blessed is the day, I am so glad to be alive" you can epiphanize that the clouds above have parted, rays of sunshine have slowly poured from the heavens and the purpose of life is revealed - TRANSCENDENCE! On the third track "Music is God", Harper makes these intentions clear with the lyrics "Intensity / Sincerity / Making me decide / For it involves Music is God". The music is driving, soulful and above all very tight - nice. The music supports Harper's claims that yes music is a religous force to be reckoned with; not to be taken for granted. On the six track, "Shades of the Midnight Sun" Harper continues with the successful approach to his music - light vocals and heavy axework. The track is so full, massed with great fretwork and vocals emphazing the internal struggle Harper faces with his music - religous convictions. Above all, a great CD reissue with great packaging too. In closing one of Harper's lyrics reflect his personal feelings about the situation he found himself in during the recording process; it comes from the the song "Keep Cool" . The lyrics are "God don't need a benny on the other side of time".