SEASONS OF BEENTO BLACKBIRD

Author-reader Aksoua Busla's facility with accents carries the reader through the segmented life of Solomon Wilberforce as he moves through his "seasons" in his Caribbean birthplace, Ghana, and New York City. The sound quality of the recording does not do justice to her rich, deep voice as the lower register becomes rather muddy even at mid-range volumes. Moreover, static becomes a distraction when the tape is played at levels necessary to overcome moderate background noise, as when listening in a car. Nonetheless, Busla's elegance and passion immerse the listener in Solomon's search for his heritage and the struggle of the women who are caught up in his search for their independent and separate identities. J.E.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB 98]