Rise & Shine

Album Description

Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars were introduced to the world in 2006 by a moving film that documented the band's formation in West African refugee camps and the challenges they faced returning to a homeland racked by years of bloody warefare. For the follow up to their acclaimed debut album "Living Like A Refugee" , the band began recording back home in Freetown, Sierra Leone, then traveled to New Orleans to work with renowned producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Angelique Kidjo, Michelle Shocked, Rickie Lee Jones, Ozomatli). Much like the band members themselves, the residents of New Orleans know firsthand both the bitterness of exile and the redemptive power of music. The spirit of Crescent City permeates the album thanks to the participation of local favorites Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Bonerama and Washboard Chaz. Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars have risen like a phoenix from the ashes of destruction to create this infectious and celebratory new record.