American Music
Sharrif Simmons
When I was 18 I used to go to a little bar in Jacksonville, Alabama called “Brothers.” It is actually connected to the infamous Nick in Birmingham. There was a band that I loved (and still have the CD) called “Follow For Now.” They were a rock, reggae, roots, spoken word band that few had seen. That was 1990. Sharrif Simmons’ new CD American Music brings back those memories. Those memories are awesome. I feel like I am back into my youth listening to Simmons’ new CD. But somehow, this CD is not just nostalgic. It is fresh and the music and presentation that today’s music lacks. So many have tried to refresh the past and most have fallen short. Simmons does not fall into that crease – that forgotten soundscape.
American Music hits a homerun with a chunky stew of flavorful funk and attitude. Get out of his way. Get out of your expectations. Listen to the verses. Hold on to the music. Sit tight and focus. Witness and forecast the future.
American Music is all over the place. It will rock you. It will make you nod your head. It will make you listen closer and replay. It will seduce you. Sharrif Simmons knows his funk, knows his words sung and spoken. He knows how to make a new revolution possible in many directions. He spins you around and upside down. As he says “You can feel it when it happens.”
So, as I reflect back to “Follow For Now,” I know now that Simmons is not a follower. He is a funked-up leader and taker and an “overwhelmer.” Take it as it is. ‘Coz it is what it is! Follow him for now as he is definitely going somewhere new and exciting.
For more info and on Sharrif Simmons go to: Sharrif Simmons
-- Hunter Bell (02/21/09)
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