Delving into Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread

If you're like me, and you think the violinist's newest
project sounds incredibly interesting, yet you have NO IDEA what this new
project is going to sound like, listen up. It's time to delve into the depths of
Carter's Reverse Thread.

Carter focuses her exploration
of this hopeful history lesson on Uganda, Mali, and Senegal. Why did Carter choose
these specific areas? "There is an immense
amount of amazing music coming from all around the world, much of which is
barely accessible," she explains. "Reverse
Thread gave me the opportunity to explore and celebrate a tiny portion of
music that moved me." 

Celebration
and movement are key words in describing the sound of this album. The songs
have a lyrical, hopeful sound to them, skipping along with the plucking of
strings and beat of drums. The soprano voice of the violin skims atop the
mellow bass and drum sounds rumbling underneath in a brisk, confident ride.

The pieces from Uganda are centered on field recordings from
a Jewish community in eastern Uganda. While the community has no genetic ties
to Judaism, they still practice the religion. Two of these pieces are "Hiwumbe
Awumba" and "Mwana Talitambula," have an "uplifting quality and spirit of
voice," that, according to Carter's latest press release, depict the "resiliency
of the human spirit."

Other pieces weave together the rhythmic drum beats typical
of Senegalese music with the stringed Malian instrument, the kora, alongside
the transcendent voice of Carter's violin. Yacouba Sissoko, Carter's special
guest from Mali, aids this cultural weave with his master kora skills.

The sounds range from jazzy to smooth African beats to the
almost jig-like quality of "Hiwumbe Awumba." But the pleasure of listening
created by the diversity and depth of sound carries through the album.

Carter added Will Holshouser's accordion to the mix to help
give a sound of hope to the songs that is so necessary to the communities that
Carter's band is representing through their music.

My personal favorites? "N'Teri," a tantalizing piece
featuring much of Sissoko's mesmerizing kora. Or "Artistiya," a jiving piece
with strong base and drums that creates such a funky rhythm that you won't be
able to deny some foot-tapping.

Hopefully I've helped you to gain perspective on Carter's Reverse Thread!  I hope to see you there, and enjoy the
show!

- Melissa WrayMarketing Intern