John Trudell - AKA Grafitti Man (2017) [Hi-Res]

John Trudell is a Native American songwriter/poet, and an outspoken activist for human rights and environmental issues. AKA GRAFITTI MAN showcases his remarkable spoken-word brand of rock & roll, praised by musicians such as Peter Garrett, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and Jackson Browne.

In the mid-80's, Trudell came together with legendary Kiowa Indian guitarist Jesse Ed Davis and formed Grafitti Man; their first cassette, AKA GRAFITTI MAN, was produced in 1985. While the tape was sold only by mail order, a copy reached Bob Dylan, who called it "album of the year" and played it over the PA before concerts. Following Davis' death, Trudell enlisted guitarist Mark Shark as the musical backbone of Grafitti Man; the band spent part of 1988 touring the US with Midnight Oil.

AKA GRAFITTI MAN includes material dating back to Trudell's work with Jesse Ed Davis and the cassette of the same name; as well as more recent material, much of which was co-produced by Jackson Browne, who also serves as the album's Executive Producer.

The album features Trudell's powerful personal and political statements, as well as his method of incorporating indigenous themes and musical traditions into a rock context.

„Poet John Trudell's first major release incorporates rock & roll, blues, and traditional Native American music to create a compelling backdrop for his views on society, love, loss, and life in this country as a Native American. The opening track, "Rockin' the Res," kicks off the record with an Indian chant, before a barrage of drums, bass, and guitar set the stage for Trudell, and the tone for the rest of the album. Although this is spoken word, musically these pieces are songs and not meandering ideas. Trudell's lyrics, voice, and timing also fit well with the music and never seem forced. The title cut, with its scenes of the streets, materialism, and corporate America; "Bombs Over Baghdad," his condemnation of the Gulf War; and "Baby Boom Che," which concisely sums up an entire generation with Elvis as their leader, are among the many highlights. This is an evocative piece of work that rocks. Jackson Browne, Kris Kristofferson, and Steven Soles (Alpha Band) guest on vocals. (Brett Hartenbach, AMG)

John Trudell, vocals
Jesse Ed Davis, vocals, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer
Mark Shark, vocals, guitar
Quiltman, vocals, drums
Sherry Blakey, vocals
Carol Eckstein, vocals
Adrian Garcia, vocals
Kris Kristofferson, vocals
Renée Geyer, vocals
John "Juke" Logan, harmonica
Jerry Jumonville, saxophone
Billy Block, piano, percussion
Bill Payne, piano
Doug Legacy, organ
Mike Utley, organ
Jennifer Acosta, synthesizer
Rick Eckstein, bass, drums
Gary Ray, drums
Chad Cromwell, drums
Wally Ingram, percussion
Jackson Browne, background vocals
Steven Soles, background vocals

Produced by Jackson Browne

Digitally remastered