Ray Korona's music is a throwback to the great political songwriting of the 60's. He carries on the tradition of bards writing songs about current events, protesting social injustice, corporate greed, racism and prejudice and globalization.  The lyrics are inspired and the arrangements are acoustic oriented.  His vocals are clear and easy to understand, which is important when so many important issues are being addressed.  There are several guests vocalists as well. One can just picture his music being sung at rallies.  My favorite was "the Power of Love and Light", a beautiful love song-duet.  The last track "Big Step to Freedom" has nice harmonies and is anthemic.  If you're politically oriented in your music tastes, you will enjoy this CD.
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Spring 2002 

URPE Newsletter: Union for Radical Political Economics 

THE PEOPLE ARE IN CHARGE! New Political Music CD reviewed by Roz Boyd 

The Ray Korona Band has just released an exciting new CD: The People Are In Charge! Featuring twelve of Ray's songs, it faces big political and economic issues head on with story songs, humor, clever lyrics and catchy music. As usual, the songs are of special interest to URPE members covering subjects such as the prison-industrial complex, the economic plundering of the environment, globalization, racial and racial justice, political double-speak, labor rights and more. The music is mostly acoustic with a great blend of instruments including guitar, bass, dulcimer, flute, fiddle, cello, mandolin, slide, piano, clarinet, sax, drums and percussion. While Ray sings most of the songs, Sharon, Ivice and Ellen take turns at the lead vocals and there are wonderful harmonies everywhere. No doubt the group's impressive singing and playing skills reflect its experience in performing with the likes of Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte and Patti Smith as well as playing in college concerts and conference events around the country. I love this CD! You can find out more or buy it at www.raykorona.com.
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There are some wonderfully funny and incisive songs on this CD. At least as interesting are the arrangements. Most music in this genre is both deadly earnest and musically static. This band avoids both traps; there's a baroque interlude one one tune (integral, not grafted on), a variety of vocalists, even an a capella union hymn with crisp three-part harmony. The political message is clear, but they haven't forgotten the spirit of "if I can't dance, you can keep your revolution."
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