GreenTaRA Music For A Mixed Nation
Published Nov 01, 2004
With a sound drawing on soul, acid jazz jam band stylings and hip-hop with a penchant for social awareness, Vancouvers GreenTaRA comes through as a versatile creative force on this impressive release. Having already cultivated a loyal and dedicated following including parts of Europe and being in a couple of bands, GreenTaRAs experience is clearly exhibited in the strong songwriting demonstrated. Theres a uniform feel to the record, with GreenTaRAs ever-present acoustic guitar supplemented by a small circle of live musicians as well as the appearances of Triple 3 crew members, vocalist Deanna and she of the mesmerising flow, MC Ndidi Cascade. With this strong foundation in place, the resistance to propaganda on "The Cycle and the steely resolution on "Babylon Bye Bye come to the fore, but dont sacrifice the groove or become too didactic. Theres an innate intimacy that comes across in GreenTaRAs personal politics; whether shes singing or slipping into her occasionally rhymed verses, her willingness to address her own internal issues ("Sexual Reality) or encouraging self worth ("Deadly Til You Die) all come across so genuinely, its pointless to be cynical listening to such refreshingly executed music.
(GreenTaRA Music/Easy Bake)