Quirky singer-songwriter Ben Harper keeps it simple on Wide Open Light. Most songs feature nothing more and nothing less than his warm, dark-colored voice and his spirited, sympathetic guitar playing. Harper explained that with this album he wants to return to the time when songs could and should speak for themselves, without additional stories and narratives invented by marketing agencies. He puts
… his money where his mouth is (or rather, his melody) and shows he is completely comfortable with this way of doing things. On Yard Sale, one of the album's highlights, he is joined by Hawaiian Jack Johnson. Not coincidentally, another singer with a penchant for simple acoustic instrumentation. In the somewhat theatrical Trying Not To Fall In Love With You, he temporarily trades in the guitar for the piano; a welcome and successful foray. Harper has sensed well that, with such a voice and such songs, he really needs little more. (JV)more
