Worthy projects do not always make for interesting music, but this is quite an exception. 18 original tracks showcase 46 musicians from 11 countries, confronting issues of anti-racism and anti-sectarianism on one CD, from the Beyond Skin organisation in Ballyclare, County Antrim.
Jonathan Stephenson’s ‘Another City’ brings a magical blend of acoustic introspective songsmithery with tasty dashes of Chinese harp, classical guitar and his own superb vocal. ‘All That We Need’ by Peter Flanagan and Patricia O’Neill, and ‘Who’s To Say’ by Tessa Stokes and Kelly Smiley, are attractive slices of soft rap. Neil Peterson’s ‘Yesterday’s News’ has a hint of a timeworn Lou Reed in the melody and vocals on a song that’s pointlessly short. Tablas and flute jolly up the seductive instrumental ‘Montgomery Road’, and Aidan Millighan plays stirring djembe on the sprightly ‘Backtrack’. Millighan is back for ‘Off The Beaten Track’ on which Chris Malinsky’s flute adds exotic tinges to an uptempo groover complete with harmonium and lots of percussion.
There are some who countenance confronting racists and racism whenever they loosen their poisonous tongues. But sometimes, just getting down with those who come from the other side of the imaginary divide sends out a very potent message too. As the compilation proves, that melting pot can conjure up some damn fine stews.