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www.harper.biz
By James “Skyy Dobro” Walker As Monty Python used to say, “And now for something completely different” – in this case, didgeridoo blues. Well, actually, there are two exceptions to that statement: it is not different as this is Harper’s second release on Blind Pig Records, and it is not really Blues. It seems that several artists and their albums get put into the “Blues” category because they do not fit anywhere else. Because Australia’s Harper (pronounced Harp-ah) blurs the lines between Rock, Blues, Soul, and World Music, his unique roots music style should probably occupy a category of its own. Day By Day is his follow up to his 2005 U.S. debut, Down To The Rhythm. It displays his trademark harmonica wizardry, rhythmic exploration, distinctive instrumentation, deeply soulful grooves, and well crafted songs. Unlike other Aussie “musos” such as Sugarcane Collins, Dave Hole, and Fiona Boyes, Harper mixes in the didgeridoo, an important part of the indigenous culture of his Australian homeland, just short of being stereotypical. Prior to his introduction to American audiences, Harper released six albums to great acclaim in Australia. Awarded Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year at the Australian Blues Awards, plus an award for Best Acoustic Act of the Year, Harper tours incessantly in the U.S., Europe, as well as Oz. The album’s 10 songs fall into two halves, with the second half providing more familiar sounds to Blues fans. Start with track 1 to hear the distorted guitars blend with Harper’s innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback to break the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. “Feels Like Sunday Morning,” the 7th cut, kicks off the album’s second half with an opening, Journey influenced, acoustic guitar soon joined by Harper’s audience friendly vocals. Bass and Drums add to the mix nailing a rock/blues groove underlying love song lyrics. An electric guitar soars solo in the bridge to cement a song completely radio worthy for audiences anywhere. Tracks 8, 9, 10 & 12 also sound as Americanized and ear engaging as any top notch USA rock/blues band. Blind Pig Records knows it is a big world with plenty of room for this unique, high caliber international artist Click HERE for More reviews and interviews
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