A reunion can often be a poignant event, filled with old friends, happy introductions to new
faces, and revisions to relational habits; it can also lead to ossification. Rural Renewal
exhibits most of these features. Expect nothing new from this album, but if you're a fan of The
Crusaders' 1980s music, you'll find more of that sound with this offering.
Every track features the smooth funk grooves that made this group a crossover hit. Everything is
exactly in its place, expertly played, and completely canned--ready for mass consumption. Eric
Clapton appears on two tracks, but even his contributions lack bite or substance--fine, not every
album made has to be a revelation, and it does seem to be happy reunion. The music rings with
familiarity, pleasantry and style, but isn't terribly inspired. These players follow the same formula in
both production and content that they created in the '80s, leaving little room for exploration
of new ideas. These guys seem to be perfectly content to plow the same field over and over again.
In this reunion there is no revision to relational habits. It has more of the same (with the
exception of two 'gospel' pieces featuring singer Donnie McClurkin) smooth freeze-dried funk
that made this group famous. I've been listening to this effort for the last month and it still
lies there like an inflatable doll. This music was created to perfectly match your sofa...enjoy.
Visit Verve on the web.
~ Farrell Lowe
