Search - John Trudell :: AKA Grafitti Man

Poetry+Passion+Politics+Rock 'N' Roll=Compelling Listening

Eric R. Last | San Bruno, CA United States | 10/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Trudell's music is difficult to categorize. The lyrics are spoken rather than sung, but they are integrated into the music so that they have the feel of songs rather than poems set to music. The musical backing is tough, spare, gritty alt-rock. Trudell's spoken vocals are never less than compelling, and on a few cuts there are choruses sung by members of his band. The main appeal though is clearly the lyrical content. Trudell is an extremely smart, articulate, radical Native-American activist, and his songs lash out at various targets - corporate greed, political corruption, middle-class complacency, sexism, militarism, etc., seldom failing to hit their mark. The stand-out track is "Bombs Over Baghdad", a searing condemnation of the 1992 war with Iraq set to a propulsive rock beat, and listening to it today (October 2002), one cannot help but think that it is even more true now than then. Sample lyric: "New world order is an old world lie. Fighting for peace, see how they die. Dragging in God, as they turn violent. God says nothing, he just remains silent." I also really like "Baby Boom Che", which is about how Elvis Presley first began (unwittingly) to sow seeds of counter-culturalism in the 50's. John Trudell's music will appeal to those who are pre-disposed to respond to his politically-left point of view, to those with a particular interest in Native American culture, and to those who enjoy literate, passionate rock 'n' roll. I'd think that fans of New York junkie poet/rocker Jim Carroll would be likely to like Trudell, as these two artists are actually very similar, although their lyrical concerns are worlds apart."

Outstanding work that encompasses passionate message

lholmes@jesuitcp.org | Dallas, TX | 05/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Trudell has renewed the spirits of social justice concerning the state of Native Americans and all Americans in general. The idea that music should speak to the issues near and dear to all of us---war, poverty, racism, and economic justice---comes alive again with this work. The dream still lives and hope carrys on. Trudell has been there and done that--he has more than earned his due. The musical genious of Trudell is never more apparent than "Graffiti Man." Thanks brother John for the excellent work. Now let's get brother Peltier out of the depths of hell and make President Clinton promise to do better as he promised in 1992"

Jesse ed: rip

. | Chicago, IL USA | 01/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that this is the last recording made by Jesse Ed Davis before his death. J.E.D.,one of the world's greatest guitarists, and -absolutely- the world's most under-known great rock/country/blues/ guitarist. A must-have."