Rusted Root - Welcome to My Party (2002)

Welcome to My Party is an apt invitation to the stirring, often festive songs that populate Rusted Root's fourth record. From the funky, joyful "Union 7," where the vocals of band founders Mike Glabicki and Liz Berlin intertwine and shine, to the lovely instrumentation of the title track to the reggae strains of "Women Got My Money," Rusted Root augment an already expansive musical palette. The multi-instrumentalist sextet fuse elements of Latin, African, Eastern, soul, rock, and traditional American music into an uplifting, intelligent, melodious whole. Discrete yet cohesive, the wonderful percussion and Middle Eastern vibe of "Artificial Winter," the bluesy Band-like ballad "Sweet Mary," and John Buynak's enchanting pennywhistle melodies on songs like "Too Much" make for an enjoyable journey. Although they've toured with the Grateful Dead and Santana and support environmental and social causes, Rusted Root are not a retro jam band or overly New Age-y. Rather, their timeless, well-crafted, and multidimensional tunes provide enriching ear candy for a stressed soul. --Katherine Turman