James Harman lives in Southern California, but his southern roots are evident in his music. Born in Anniston, Alabama in 1946, Harman's musical parents got him started on the piano at age four and later had him singing in the church choir. In addition to his noted prowess on harp, Harman has also experimented with other instruments including guitar, organ, bass and drums. Fondly referred to as "Icepick," Harman has been blowing the harp since 1963, has twenty-nine records to his credit and has worked with the greatest artists in blues. Harman's songs are created with a deep respect for blues tradition, while maintaining a uniqueness that is all his own. James Harman is no stranger to making great records and has carved his legacy deep into the West Coast sound by not only being a great harp player and singer, but for having an impeccable eye for talent, "discovering" and/or working with a host of current blues talent including Kid Ramos, Gene Taylor, Richard Innes, Jeff Turmes and Phil Alvin, just to name a few.
After a three year absence from performing and recording so that he could concentrate on being a single parent, James Harman's latest release on Pacific Blues Records is entitled Lonesome Moon Trance. The CD is comprised of 12 original numbers that are vibrant and entertaining, incorporating an interesting insight into culture, society and politics. It is a recording that is also filled with an all star lineup of backing musicians, many who have been members of Harman's bands some time in their careers. With a changing cast of characters for each song, each track on Lonesome Moon Trance takes on a unique character from those preceding it. Besides great performances and content, this album is a great listen, with a crisp, clean sound that will leave any blues fan wanting more.
Lonesome Moon Trance opens with a song about a love betrayed entitled "Double Hogback Growler" that creates a high level of expectation for what is to follow. With Harman's growling vocals and Sonny Boy-like harp licks, Kid Ramos' signature guitar work and Tom Mahon's flying fingers on the 88's, the really gets things going right away.
The myriad of problems facing the world today, including child molesters, dirty cops and an immoral society receive close scrutiny "Low Down Grown-up Jive," a funkified tune that the piano work of Carl ‘‘Sonny'' Leland and some exceptional guitar from Eli Fletcher. Harman expresses his unwillingness to participate in the cultural debauchery, telling those who are to "start cleaning house in your own backyard."
"Skeet-a little-Taste," is a funky instrumental number on the recording that includes the multi-talented Jeff Turmes (husband of singer Janiva Magness) playing a tormented lead guitar and upright bass with Harman bending out some grisly notes. This is followed by the politically astute, "Piecework Politician," a song that suggests politicians get paid on commission, receiving compensation only when they finish what they started. Clearly, this could result in some poverty stricken politicos! With the personnel on each song, ever changing, "Piecework Politician" is highlighted by a rhythm section that includes Mighty Flyer drummer Paul Fasulo on drums and Rick ‘‘Brother Miles'' Reed on bass. Tom Mahon's piano returns for this number along with the ever present Harman growling about self-serving political hacks with "expense accounts to the moon."
Guitarist Dave Gonzalez of The Paladins trades nasty guitar licks with Robert Eason on "Alibi, Reason Why," exposing the chronic liars of the heart with its jump beat. Harman changes tone on the lamenting slow blues of "Miss Bessie Mae," a song dedicated to Harman's late, lamented dog (the most faithful friend of all). Tom Mahon shows up again on this number, combining some lowdown piano, while Kid Ramos makes his return appearance playing acoustic guitar.
Drummer Stephen Hodges drives the bus on the Bo Diddleyesque, "My Secret Escapade," while Bob Margolin contributes some of his "Muddy-style" slide on the low down blues of "Bad Luck Life," a story of a man with more bad luck than good as so clearly pointed out by Harman's gruff vocal presentation. The ragtime feel of "Love Stuff" follows with great solo work by Harman, Sonny Leland and Eli Fletcher. After Harman puts his harp in overdrive on "Time Will Tell," support from Steve F'dor on piano, he puts the pedal to the metal as he duels with guitarist Junior Watson throughout the song "It's Yo' World (I'm Just Living In It)."
Lonesome Moon Trance finishes up with the title track which takes the listener deep into the swampy night, under the light of the full moon, conjuring up images of mystical voodoo magic. Harman's vocals become haunting as he talks about watching someone from another world.
Despite his hiatus from the music, Harman remains as sharp as ever, with his harp playing and singing right on the money. Throw in a supporting cast great musicians and the result is a recording that pretty close to perfection. Lonesome Moon Trance gets my strongest recommendation, as they don't make 'em like this no mo'. To learn more about James Harman, check out his website at www.jamesharman.com or visit www.pacificblues.com to pick up your own copy of Lonesome Moon Trance.
Buy this CD NOW:
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by Dave "Doc" Piltz, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.