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Fruit on the Vine

 
Album Review: Fruit on the Vine

  • Artist: Church of Betty
  • Rating: StarStarStarStarHalf Star
  • Release Date: December 14, 1999
  • Total Time: 52:40
  • Type: Lyrics are included with the album
  • Genre: Rock

Review

In the 35 years or so since George Harrison began incorporating elements of classical Indian music to western pop songs there have been very few groups to carry the torch, mostly due to the subtlety of Indian music and the deep understanding necessary to pull it off. Chris Rael of Church of Betty has this understanding, having spent time traveling and making field recordings in India and Nepal, as well as studying sitar and classical vocal music in India.

That being said, make no mistake, this is a rock album. The tunes all belong to the pop song form, but are never far from a classical Indian melodic sensibility. The way Rael uses Hindustani singing techniques and melodies so effortlessly is really quite amazing. Although sitar and tabla lead some of the songs, others, like "Fruit on the Vine," are more grounded in western instrumentation. Even so, there are melodic flourishes that clearly point to India. When Indian instruments come to the forefront, they are fully incorporated and integral to the music, not merely exotic trappings. A string section is tastefully employed on several tracks, adding an understated lush quality. The lyrics are generally optimistic, celebrating life and natural beauty in a way that never seems sappy or overtly hippie-psychedelic. In the end, dissection and analysis are almost a disservice to Church of Betty; so complete is their vision. This is a true East-West fusion of the highest order. ~ Sean Westergaard, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track TitleComposersPerformersTime
The Magic in You Chris Rael Church of Betty (4:16)
I Swim in You Chris Rael Church of Betty (3:45)
Cool Water Chris Rael Church of Betty (3:39)
Fruit on the Vine Chris Rael Church of Betty (3:16)
Tail End of a Dream Chris Rael Church of Betty (4:15)
Guruji Chris Rael Church of Betty (4:09)
Red Line Chris Rael Church of Betty (4:12)
Skin of the Ocean Chris Rael Church of Betty (4:30)
Deep in the Ocean Chris Rael Church of Betty (1:53)
Monolith Chris Rael Church of Betty (4:59)
Ruby Chris Rael Church of Betty (3:04)
Night Logic Chris Rael Church of Betty (10:42)

Credits

Steve Gorn (Flute), Steve James (Sarod), Matt Goeke (Cello), Bryce Goggin (Mixing), Bob Muller (Percussion), Ed Pastorini (Guitar), Ed Pastorini (Keyboards), Ed Pastorini (Vocals), Howie Weinberg (Mastering), Gregor Kitzis (Violin), Joe Quigley (Bass), Brian Geltner (Keyboards), Chris Rael (Bass), Chris Rael (Guitar), Chris Rael (Autoharp), Chris Rael (Keyboards), Chris Rael (Sitar), Chris Rael (Vocals), Chris Rael (Producer), Chris Rael (Vibraphone), Chris Rael (Photography), Kenny Siegal (Drums), Danny Kadar (Producer), Danny Kadar (Engineer), Drew Lavyne (Producer), Marlon Cherry (Percussion), Church of Betty (Main Performer), James Williamson (Paintings), Heather Jones (Design), Neel Murgai (Percussion), Jonathan Feinberg (Bass), Jonathan Feinberg (Percussion), Jonathan Feinberg (Drums), Cindy Rickmond (Vocals), Gwen Snyder (Accordion), Gwen Snyder (Vocals)
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Album Review. Copyright © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.  Read more