Chris Whitley Rocket House CD

Chris Whitley has tinkered with genres as diverse as blues-rock, Americana, hard alternative rock, and straightforward singer/songwriter. Thus, it is no surprise that Whitley's fifth full-length batch of original material demonstrates a broad musical palette touching on all of these styles. Most interesting, however, is that ROCKET HOUSE finds Whitley taking a valiant stab at something that's always been just out of reach for him--mainstream accessibility. Guest contributions from high profile artists such as Dave Matthews and Bruce Hornsby certainly don't hurt this quest.

The opening track, "To Joy (Revolution of the Innocents)," features banjos and turntable abstraction clashing comfortably to create a highly original ambient exposition. Sparse cuts such as "Solid Iron Heart" and "From a Photograph" retain an earthy quality reminiscent of Whitley's earliest work, while "Say Goodbye" and "Serve You" position the songwriter as an above-average pop balladeer. Whitley even incorporates electronica-influenced breakbeats into some tunes ("Vertical Desert" and "Rocket House"). ROCKET HOUSE mixes things up in a way that is seldom seen on one singular album.

Recorded at Soho Music Studios, New York, New York.

Personnel: Chris Whitley (vocals, guitar, banjo, synthesizer); Dave Matthews (acoustic & electric guitars, background vocals); Tony Mangurian (guitar, synthesizer, bass, drums, programming); Steve Barber (piano, keyboards); Bruce Hornsby (Wurlitzer piano); Badal Roy (tabla); Darren Vigil Grey, Jill Momaday (percussion); Mark Henry (programming); DJ Logic (turntables); Trixie Whitley, Blondie Chaplin, Chick Graning (background vocals).

Entertainment Weekly (6/8/01, p.77) - "...The troubadour goes digital, looping in Middle Eastern chants, bongo beats, electronic beeps, and DJ Logic's scratches..." - Rating: B
CMJ (7/2/01, p.24) - "...His most complete, fullest-sounding work....It has moments of real beauty, and they are all accessible..."