An amalgamation of blues, rock, funk, soul and world music, Australian singer/ songwriter "Harper" creates a heady mix of roots music through his creative use of the harp, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. Borrowing from western and world music, this musical visionary develops a highly original take on the roots genre. Chip Eagle Publisher for Blues Revue/ Blues Wax, USA recently described Harper as "the most exciting act on the live scene today". Carol Borrington from Blues Matters, United Kingdom stated "Harper is going to be huge in the UK"
Harper's newly released CD "Live at the Blues Museum" was recorded on a cold wintery night on Saturday December 17, 2011 at Canada's only Blues Museum, Place Concorde, Windsor, Canada. This was a very special evening for Harper as he was inducted into the Blues Museum Hall of Fame before a packed house of rabid music fans. This is also Harper's first live CD in 12 years and it has proven to be worth the wait. This new CD features 15 original tracks, over 72 minutes of playing from his three Blind Pig Releases "Stand Together" (2010), "Day By Day" (2007), "Down To The Rhythm" (2005) and his two independent releases: "Way Down Deep Inside" (2003) and "Glass On The Stepping Stone" (2000). "Live at the Blues Museum" gives the listener a portal to the magic that happens at a Harper concert. Rambles Magazine describes Harper as "a master Chicago-style harmonica player with elements of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson in his playing, he also possesses a strong voice and a deep, almost mystical approach to music". His extraordinary harmonica skills demonstrate electric ferocity to gentle acoustic finesse. Harper's powerful soulful voice rips through this 15-song set with passion and integrity. His use of the deeply spiritual didgeridoo is definitely NOT a gimmick, but an extension of his song writing and arrangement skills. Harper's unique sound is reflected in his use of rhythms and a tribal spirit he experienced growing up in Perth, Western Australia. The listener also catches a glimpse of Harper's sense of humor and his depth of character. Harper loves to perform and we feel his joy!
Harper's non-stop touring schedule is self evident in the tightness and ease of performance. He is backed by his incredible Michigan based band "Midwest Kind" which features: Matt Besey on Guitar, Chris Wiley Smith on Bass Guitar/ Djembe and Scott Key on Drums. Their familiarity with the arrangements and with each other's abilities allows them to elongate the groove giving Harper a great backdrop for his unique songs. Harper will continue to please audiences looking for originality and individuality in modern roots music with this new Live CD!
Harper has received multiple Australian Blues awards for "Male Vocalist of the Year", "Song of the Year" "Acoustic Artist of the Year", "Album of the Year" and many awards for his harmonica playing. "Stand Together" was nominated for a 2011 Detroit Music Award. Harper was listed in the top concerts of 2011 for the City of Chicago. Harper's 2012 tour features: the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, NC, Bayou n Boogie Festival, MA, Nor Eastring Festival, MI, The Hambone Music Festival, MN, The Milwaukee Summerfest, The Concert of Colors, MN, Fargo Blues Festival, ND, The Prairie Dog Blues Festival, WI, Mammoth Bluesapoolza, CA , Mount Baker Blues Festival, WA, BBQ at the Summit, CO, South Pearl St Festival, CO, Tawas Blues By the Bay, MI, Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, MI, Rowan Blues & Jazz Festival, NC, Riverhawk Music Festival, FL plus many more.
Harper is a huge favorite on the world wide festival circuit being booked regularly for 30 to 35 festivals every Spring and Summer. Last year, Harper sold out of CDs before his set had finished at the hugely popular "Merlefest" in North Carolina, he as also the highest CD seller at The Kitchener Blues festival, Canada, The Roots n Rhythm Festival in Rhode Island, The Grand Marais Music Fest in Michigan and the Trinidaddio Bluesfest in Colorado. On his most recent UK tour Harper's live show was described as " strong, expressive, at times pain- ridden vocals were interspersed with some top class electronic harp playing and the unearthly and soul wrenching call of the didgeridoo" (Blues Matters, United Kingdom,). During this tour a Harper live session was aired world wide on BBC London on the Paul Jones Show. Paul Jones described Harper as "extraordinary". Blues Legend John Mayall was so impressed with Harper that he included one of his songs "Just What Your'e Looking for" as track two on his new CD "Tough" (Eagle) Now based in Michigan, USA, Harper's killer tour schedule of 250+ shows per year has gained him a grassroots US and international following.
For further information check out Harper's website: www.harper.biz or www.facebook.com/pages/Harper-and-Midwest-Kind/163124467948 or www.facebook.com/harperandmidwestkind or www.myspace.com/harperband or www.youtube.com/harperband or Blind Pig Records www.blindpigrecords.com
