To say that I am head over heels in love with this newest release from former Philly local (now in upstate NY) artists, Kim and Reggie Harris, is an understatement. I was introduced to their music in the 1980’s when they were a mainstay in our active folk community. Their easily blended harmonies come from being both professional and life partners since the mid 1970’s. Married since 1976, they have stood in solidarity for diversity, human rights and multi-cultural unity. I was listening to WPXN 88.5 fm (my favorite commercial free, member supported radio station) and heard an interview with this dynamic duo. Reggie was talking about an experience he had that gave me goosebumps of recognition and I felt a bond with him and with Kim. In 2008, he received a second chance with a life saving liver transplant. Ten years before that, my husband died while awaiting a liver transplant, and I became a volunteer organ donor educator as a result, speaking about the importance of becoming an organ donor so that perhaps another family might be spared what we endured. I felt a swelling of gratification hearing about Reggie’s new life.
Do What I Have To Do is a powerful call to action written by the late activist- troubador Phil Ochs whose timeless lyrics are as relevant to the current state of the world as they were in the 1960’s.
Never Go Back echoes the sentiment that once a decision is made, nothing will ever be the same, whether in relationship with one person or the planet and yet action can be taken to make positive change occur.
The significance of the title song Resurrection Day was not lost on me with it’s reassuring lyrics heralding a new day “You’ve found the Grace to say “It’s alright. It’s over. Hallelujah…a new day’s here. You’ve got a new race to run. Resurrection Day….you are rising.” I could feel the waves of peace swelling in my heart even as Kim’s lovely voice rose.
The hip swaying samba sounds of Here and Now With You is a sultry love song.
Cause and effect is at the heart of Butterfly as one action reverberates for all time.
It’s All About Love assures us that we are resilient thrivers with faith and hope and grace in our healing toolkit. It really IS all about love.
The gospel flavor of Straighten ‘Em is as sweet as a Sunday morning clap along revival. It is a rollicking wake up call for all those in need of wiseing up as well.
Cajun influences ripple through the Depression era song Hallelujah I’m A Bum, with present day relevance.
When listening to Traffic, chills ran through me at the moment I realized that the song was about human trafficking that occurs at the rate of 27 million people worldwide.
Look ‘Em In The Eye honors those who are willing to stand up in the face of injustice.
Tears flowed while honoring the life lost, while love remains in When Mom Left Us Here, since I am now approaching the second anniversary of my own mother’s passing.
Tree of Life is a beckoning to honor what ‘we don’t know we know, say and feel’. Closed my eyes and drank in the beauty of a such a majestic multi-branched being.
Cosmic coincidence occurred as I listened to the final song called Roll On Woody, a tribute to dustbowl songster Woody Guthrie who would have been 100 this year. I was in the car and laughed as I literally passed Guthrie Road….truth is stranger than fiction.
Some of my favorite folkies are on this CD as well, including Joe Jencks, Cheryl Prashker, John McCutcheon, David Roth, Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor, and Magpie.
Resurrection Day is musical medicine indeed, healing for the heart and soul. I honor what the Harris’ have survived and am grateful that their own Resurrection Day inspires mine.
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