Access Records artist: Harper and Midwest Kind - Rise Up - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rise Up, from Harper and Midwest Kind and it's a cool rocker. Opening with title track, Rise Up, Peter D. Harper leads the way on vocal, harmonica, didgeridoo, keyboard and guitar, With Geoff Michael on guitar, Dan "Ozzie" Anderson on bass and Jim Pryor on drums. With it's chant like rhythm and primitive sounds, it's quite a cool opener. On Blues I Can't Use, Paul Nelson joins on guitar and hill country styling is accented nicely by hot slide riffs. My favorite track on the release is I Still Got You with it's funky, R&B bass line, great melody and Harper's soulful harmonica and vocals. Another track with a thumping bass line is Welcome Home with cool vocals, a bouncy rhythm making it the most likely radio track and solid harmonica work. Wrapping the release is Peaceful, a cool, jazzy track with a light feel and nice percussion under the stylized acoustic guitar work of Harper and cool backing vocals of Bobbi Llewellyn. 

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Blu Harp Records artist: Harper and Midwest Kind - Show Your Love - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Show Your Love, from Harper and Midwest Kind and it's quite different. Opening with Hell Yeah, a straight up rocker, harmonica, didgeridoo and djembe player and vocalist, Peter Harper is joined by Will Rideoutt on guitar, James Norris on bass and Carl Lewis on drums. A pop style track with indigenous roots, it's a clever opener. Bluesy rocker, What's Goin Down, features trademark harp playing by Harper as well as nice vocal harmonies and cool slide work Rideoutt. Title track, Show Your Love,  opens with a march style drum beat evolving into a funky rocker with tight guitar riffs. Drive Brother Drive is particularly melodic with nice vocal blending, african style percussion and infused harp work. Bluesy, I Can't Stand This, is my choice of tracks on the release with it's "Philly" sound and soulful vocals. Al Hill adds solid electric keys to the track and Paul Randolph holds down the bottom on bass with Dane Clarke on drums. It's All In The Game has a real interesting bottom enhanced by Harper's work on the didgeridoo. Norris' bass work is a workhorse on this track and Lewis' drum work is tight. With a loose airiness to the track, Harper's vocals are solid and his harp lines float. Smooth and melodic, It's Time To Go, has a great formula for plenty of radio play with warm vocal harmonies. We Are In Control has a funky groove and hot drum riffs. Great vocal phrasing and nice harp lines carry this track. Let's Move is a cool motoring track with a dance feel. Short, concise lyric patterns and guitar riffs make this track hit. Hey What You Say has a modern beat under a classic R&B style track. Harper's vocals are pure and his harp playing well placed. Rideoutt's backing vocals are smooth and spot on. Wrapping the release is I Look At Life, an easy paced rock ballad with an almost Joe Walsh style melody. I really like the vocal harmonies on this track and Rideoutt's guitar work balanced with Harper's harp work gives the track just the right touch to make this a choice closer. Very nice.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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The Jam is almost here! Greeley Blues Jam 2013, June 7 & 8, Greeley CO

The Jam is almost here!  Headliners: John Mayall JJ Grey & Mofro Harper & Midwest Kind Bonerama Carolyn Wonderland Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers ABOUT THE FESTIVAL  The Greeley Blues Jam is June 7th & 8th 2013 in Greeley, Colorado Indulge in delicious food and beverage, take off your shoes and dance on the 45,000 sq. feet of fresh green sod on the arena floor! Presented by the City of Greeley and the Greeley Chamber of Commerce, the Greeley Blues Jam offers an absolutely stunning line-up, bringing to you several of the world’s most highly regarded blues artists.  Come out and enjoy this talented roster of national and local blues performers, on two big stages with 11 hours of non-stop blues. There will be lots of food vendors on site or pack a picnic lunch, leave it in your car, and you can come and go from the arena and enjoy the park. Ticket holders will be stamped and allowed to re-enter at any time.  Don’t forget your picture I.D. Also visit the intimate “Blues 101 Stage” where we offer kids of all ages the opportunity to learn about this music that is part of our national heritage. See and meet some of the most talented young blues performers in the country! We have a family oriented atmosphere where everyone can expect a wonderful blues experience.  Great food & drink, merchandise vendors, ample free parking, plus camp & RV sites just outside of the arena at Island Grove Park. Not to be missed is an additional 10 hours of Friday festivities in many of the Downtown bars & restaurants, and all FREE!  This is now an integral part of the Greeley Blues Jam and is 100% guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your feet moving! It all adds up to two absolutely amazing days of non-stopping blues… remember our goal and our motto:  “It Ain’t Nothin But a Party”! The party starts Friday at 5 p.m. downtown and continues well past midnight.  On Saturday, the arena opens at 10:30 am—music starts at 11and plays continuously until 10:30 pm.  Get there early for best seating on the grass!  Hope to see you there! Go to greeleybluesjam.com for complete information and ticket locations