AMG Review of AKA Grafitti Man

Brett Hartenbach
All Music Guide

Poet John Trudell's first major release incorporates rock & roll, blues, and traditional Native American music to create a compelling backdrop for his views on society, love, loss, and life in this country as a Native American. The opening track, "Rockin' the Res," kicks off the record with an Indian chant, before a barrage of drums, bass, and guitar set the stage for Trudell, and the tone for the rest of the album. Although this is spoken word, musically these pieces are songs and not meandering ideas. Trudell's lyrics, voice, and timing also fit well with the music and never seem forced. The title cut, with its scenes of the streets, materialism, and corporate America; "Bombs Over Baghdad," his condemnation of the Gulf War; and "Baby Boom Che," which concisely sums up an entire generation with Elvis as their leader, are among the many highlights. This is an evocative piece of work that rocks. Jackson Browne, Kris Kristofferson, and Steven Soles (Alpha Band) guest on vocals.