The best word to describe Ben Harper is "chameleon". His approach to music knows no bounds as this new release attests. Last year we rocked out to his hard-out blues album with Charlie Musselwhite. In earlier years, Harper's approach was indie rock peppered with the pure pop of Steal My Kisses or Diamonds on the Inside.
In this new incarnation it's very different as Harper collaborates with his mother Ellen. The music on Childhood Home is very personal and very gentle. The harmonies are sublime, as is the incredibly sympathetic backing. Harper demonstrates his renowned guitar skills on Wiesenborn slide guitar, as well as autoharp and dulcimer, and is supported by Ellen on guitar and banjo plus Jason Mozersky on guitar, Jesse Ingalls on keyboards and upright bass, and Jonny Paxon on drums.
Childhood Home is dedicated to Harper's maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Charles Chase.
Most of the lyrics belong to Harper, heartfelt and raw, and, I guess, are a reflective mid-life trip down memory lane, with four songs from his mum. One of the many highlights is Ellen's look back on her earlier years in City of Dreams, and mother and son team up for what's almost an incantation in Born To Love You. Ellen reminds me of Alison Krauss or Emmy Lou Harris, which is saying something.
Although this a contrasting side to what we've come to expect from Ben Harper, it's a winner. Just be prepared for a quiet and reflective journey.
