Search - Terry Callier :: Fire on Ice

African Violet And Other Delights

Andre S. Grindle | Brewer Maine | 03/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before today I hadn't a clue who Terry Callier was.I was listening to an album my father had purchased today by him and this was the one-and this is proof how,in the right hands how superb a first impression can be.On 1978's 'Fire & Ice" Callier employs the talents of Eddie Harris,Phil Upchurch and Minnie Ripperton for an arresting,intense mixture of acoustic guitar with firey soul and funk-rock.The biting "Street Fever" with it's powerfully rocking,slamming chords is a visceral commentary on the plight of the cities dislocated.On the Philly soul inspired "Disco In The Sky" Callier speculates on where rock stars will go after death.The most potent song is the soulful,poetic "African Violet",in which Callier encourages the black community to continue it's struggle for acceptance in society,despite past faliers and resentments.

During the disco era in which 'Fire & Ice' was released,politically inclined message songs were hardly in vogue.Nore was it always smart for a black 60's folk-rocker like

Callier to start playing Gil Scott Heron by integrating funky rhythms and R&B arrangements into his sound.But he did and with the right people he did it extremely well.This sound continued for at least one more album I noticed but for those who know Callier only for his earlier career I suggest you give this a listen.For those who enjoy protest R&B and funk with great songwriting and arrangements this will be right up your alley!"

Fire on that ice..

C. Rocklein | 01/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is a powerful cd. i don't think there's a bad track on it. it's groovy, but there's real anguish in it too. african violet blew me away, but the lighter cuts had a raw, on-the-street kind of beauty that appealed as well. new depth for me on the soul spectrum."