[Harp-L] Re: Harper, an inspirational player
David speers
This is my very first posting on Harp L. Im very happy to be part of the world wide harmonica family. I was recently turned on to Australian harmonica player "Harper", yes its his real name. I caught his show at the Old Town Blues Festival in Lansing Michigan. Harper was the headliner , & boy did Harper & his band put on a great show. It was the highlight of a weekend of incredible music. I was very inspired by Harper's unique style. He plays his instrument like a guitar, amazing agility, lightning fast runs, yet his scalic patterns were very melodic and fitted perfectly with the changing chordal structure. He also changed his playing style to suit each song, sometimes sparse and acoustic then wild, distorted and electric. On top of that , the guy is incredibly humble. He spoke to me for nearly 30 minutes after his show, giving me pointers and suggesting equipment. I bought his latest Blind Pig Records release "Day By Day". An incredible CD with
superb production & meaningful lyrics. I would describe his music as a cross between world music and blues fusion. Harper also plays a mean didgeridoo and has a great baritone voice. Check out his website & youtube:
www.harper.biz
www.youtube.com/harperband
There is a great version of "Help Me" up on youtube plus some great harp/didgeridoo clips including the show from the Old town Blues Festival which features solos by Harper's entire band.
Dave
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Stephen Simon
Welcome to Harp L. I totally agree with you. I caught Harper & his band mates for the first time at The Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee., a couple of weeks ago Harper & his band totally blue the roof of that 80 year old jook joint. Harper is one of those cats who are out there touring 300 shows per year, here in the US plus he hits the UK, Europe, Canada & his homeland of Australia. He certainly deserves alot more recognition because he really has a unique style. Very fast, but not over done. He can rip up a Sonny Boy Williamson 11 tune then do some amazing tricks on one of his original tunes. & to top it off he plays a didgeridoo. I spoke to him about circular breathing & he said that he uses that technique in his harp playing. He said it really helped him with his playing. Harper has also done a lot of session work in his homeland including performances with several Australian orchestras for some pretty major US films & a performance for
the Queen of England. Now thats pretty cool.!!! & yes he is very humble indeed. & only has nice things to say about other hard working harp players in the scene. You know he even played harp with super group "Journey". Harper said the band rocked up to one of his gigs in Desmoines Iowa & they asked him to play with them. Now that's a compliment! Apparently he has an open invite to play at any of Journey's shows. WOW.
Peace, Stephen S..
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James Merritt
I totally agree with you about Harper.
I have been going to Blues on Grand in Des Moines for over five years. Matter of fact that is where I met my wife, we got married this past April...smile. We are both regulars there. Anyway, the first time I saw Harper there I was blown away by his music and his harmonica playing is wonderful. I have been playing harmonica most all of my life and do very well but fast playing like Harper, Jason, etc. has never been one of my strong points. The night you were referring to was during the Iowa State Fair if I recall correctly. I was sitting at the bar when I saw several members of Journey come walking in. They were in town for a performance at the state fair. Too bad I missed Harper playing with Journey because that would have been one hell of a show.
I spoke with Harper a little bit and he has such a sense of humor and is very down to earth. he was joking about when he was deciding what instrument to play he decided on harmonica since his name is Harper, what a coincidence. He was still living in Australia at that time but announced he was moving to America. Our gain and their loss. I look forward to having him come back soon.
Thank you and have a great day!!
James E. Merritt
Hey Dave,
Peace, Stephen S..
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Rachel Reeves
Thats an amazing lineup : Harper & Charlie Musselwhite. Man that would be sooo cool. Ive often wondered what the blues cruise would be like. I guess Ive got to save up big time.
Rachel
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David speers
Anyone going??
Dave
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