‘Harpspace’ is the new, anxiously awaited second CD from Canada’s own master harp virtuoso, Mark ‘bird’ Stafford. Mark’s been around the Toronto blues scene for years, and is a permanent fixture on the Toronto blues skyline – he’s without question, among the finest of Canada’s blues elite, and is well respected by fans and players alike! ‘Harpspace’ is a classic blues CD in its own time. The title track “Harpspace”, opens this beautiful ‘harp space’ in the listener’s ‘blues soul’, with jazzy orchestration and exquisite harmonies. This gourmet ‘blues concoction’ is combined with Tyler Yarema’s intricate piano stylings, and is driven by Alec Fraser’s emphatic bass lines – epitomizing class and good taste all the way! Only four of the 12 well-chosen tracks on ‘Harpspace’ are from other composers. The eight Mark Stafford originals are instant classics in every way – a definitive Stafford blues assemblage!!!
Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson’s “Gangster of Love”, is done with imaginative creativity, owing much to Stafford’s vivid story-telling ability in his effortless vocals, and the energy of his mucho-talented rhythm section. Yarema’s piano riffs command attention and appreciation, as does the strong horn section, comprised of multi-tracks by award winning sax player Pat Carey, (of the Downchild Blues Band).
Stafford original “I’ll Be Back”, is blues ‘heaven’ at its best. (I bet if Sonny Boy ll could come back, he’d be shakin’ his fingers and jivin’ to this one! He might even wanna play along!) Mel Brown’s piano playing is invigorating in every way, and helps send this winner home in a big way, as does Shane Scott’s relentlessly pulsating bass lines! Stafford’s harp playing really outdoes itself in every way it can. His vocals tell it all, and leave the listener addictively needing more. “I’ll Be Back” is one of those infectious blues creations, that causes the blues musician in all of us, to want to pick up a guitar and play along, (even if only ‘air-guitar’)!!! “Bunnie Bop Boogie” is a rousing harp trip, with story-telling vocals sung admirably by Stafford. The harp ‘travelling’ on this one can take the listener to an ethereal blues high, boppin’ ‘n hoppin’ all the way to Easter and back!
“Party Girl” is an upbeat swing blues, with all the classic characteristics of the old-time classic it is. Guitarist Pete Schmidt’s rousing lead riffs belong on any party scene – clear as a bell, and well chosen! Stafford wails his love to “Ruby”, with appropriate response from Tyler Yarema’s insightful piano riffs and muted trumpet phrasing -- seemingly right out of a ‘20s speakeasy. “I’m a Lovin’ Man”, (I’ve gotta get next to you) -- is a rousing Stafford original, that’ll get even the most reluctant blues lover up on the dance floor. Everyone gives their ‘all’ on this one. Mark’s harp playing is superb, as is Schmidt’s ‘crying’ guitar riffs, Bob Vespaziani’s soul-driven drumming, and Ka Cheong Liu’s ‘brutal’ bass lines.
This pace is relaxed in the best way possible, with some slow, Robert Johnson-style blues. Stafford mentions “I’m gonna cook for you … save ya from those nasty falls”, on another Stafford original, “Take a Step Back”. The unintended ‘Muddy Waters’-inflected’ vocal characteristics Stafford displays here, are as refreshing as they are unintended. His harp genius is very apparent, interpreting every heartfelt nuance that his imagination and talent can muster up. Juno Award-winning blues guitarist Jack de Keyzer, adds some mouthwatering slide guitar on “Take a Step … “ -- engendering an uncontrollable desire to make a mad rush to the CD player, to put this winner on repeat again. Jimmy Reed is chosen to entertain through his timeless “Shame, Shame, Shame” (the way you do! … shame on you!) Stafford’s harp playing speaks deeply of the ‘shame’, and is reinforced in its zeal by Joe Burns’ upright bass lines drivin’ the message home -- with lots of help from Greg Cooper’s relentless drumming genius.
“Follow My Heart” is slow and driving, like the pounding of the slave driver’s hammer to the beat of the slaves rowing the slave-ship to certain despair. This one hits that message home with certainty. Mark’s vocals crush the listener’s blues heart, and are reinforced with his harp sorrow. Cheong Liu’s upright bass lines sound like hands hammering to get out of an ‘emotional coffin’, with enthusiastic encouragement from Vespaziani’s emphatic drumming.
“I’m Coming Home” breaks the bleak blues mood, with style, imagination and zest. Stafford’s vocals are uplifting and reassuring! William York’s “I’ve Had My Fun”, is just that -- fun, uplifting blues!!! Mark goes nuts on harp on this one. So does Cheong Liu on upright bass, along with Vespaziani’s zing on the skins. There’s more than enough swing ‘n zing in “I’ve Had … “, to get any blues lover to want to do a ‘double-shift’ on the good old CD player with ‘Harpspace’. The finely crafted blues contained herein, is one of those rare collections that entices the blues urge to play this CD and enjoy it often – in other words ‘Harpspace’ is a much-need blues ‘fix’; to put it mildly, but succinctly!
Artist: Mark ‘bird’ Stafford
Album: ‘Harpspace’
Label: Lily Jean Records # BM002
Email: birdstafford@sympatico.ca
Website: www.markbirdstafford.com
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