Sean Trane
One of the rare Amerindian artiste to enjoy an open career in the jazz realm, but from the present album (his debut I believe), one can’t help but feeling some kind of unease, but it’s nothing about politics, but more about authenticity. But apparently most jazzmen took him seriously enough to have some really big names appearing on this album. Indeed, Coryell, Cobham and Rainey are present throughout most of the album. Helped out by some family (Gilbert & Ravie), Jim gets in some Amerindian ethnics, but one can’t help but wonder if this actually pays a good tribute to Native Americans. AI don’t necessarily mean the short chant-pieces spread throughout the album, but the main tune that take roots in the blues or country realm, both of which hurts the credibility of the album’s content, IMO. OK, I think that Pepper is having loads of fun and piques his own heritage, but one can’t help but wonder if he ever realized that the RSIS has a doo-wah-di-dy feel. Actually, if Jim appears to be the head-clown, the real “culprit” is his family Gilbert, who penned most tracks. Indeed how can Native Americans endorse redneck country music, without taking shots at it. Well, me no like it (country) and making fun of it is still playing it…. So I’ll pass on it.