Harper: Lead Vocals, Harmonica & didgeridoo.
Mike Howe: Guitar, percussion & vocals.
Chris Smith: Bass Guitar.
Marc Dixon: Drums/ Timbales/ zydeco tie.
Influences
I dig cool motown grooves and the incredible song writing of Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder. I am also into the Australian indigenous instrument of the didgeridoo (yidaki) and I really dig the harmonica playing of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson 11 and Sugar Blue.
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"There's a menace in Harper's music, an edge of danger that, if it isn't physical, it certainly lives in the psyche.. The addition of the didgeridoo to the traditional blues band lineup might sound odd, but on listening, it sounds as natural as rain on a spring day. Blend it with the growling guitars, Harper's harp and his lyrics and you've got a depth of feeling and thought that is unusual in today's music. Harper's narrators are people who have to keep looking over their shoulders; his lyrics contain such statements as "It's going to fall down on you," "I sure could use somebody help" and "you better watch your back." His vocals are often howls of pain. Harper's music is primal. It goes way inside, creating honest, deeply felt emotions. It is joyful and painful at the same time. And another thing -- Harper's music is essential. It should be widely heard. Michael Scott Cain, Rambles Magazine, USA.
Part harmonica wizard part rhythmic explorer, Harper is a fiery artist who blurs the lines between rock, blues, soul and world music. His latest Blind Pig release, "Day By Day", displays his trademark virtuoso harp performances, distinctive instrumentation, deeply soulful grooves and instantly memorable songs and provides another prime example of why his unique roots music style occupies a category of its own. His skill lies in the fact that he is able to tap into the kindred spirits running through his traditional and modern influences, borrowing from western and world music to develop a highly original take on the roots genre. He also takes the harmonica beyond its assigned place. Harper’s innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects.
Harper's new CD, "Day By Day" (Blind Pig Records) is a twelve track offering which is truly a festival for the ears and will feature heavily during Harper’s 2008 World wide tour. Harper's rich soulful voice, virtuoso harmonica solos and didgeridoo rhythmic sounds and vamps, create soundscapes to his modern day story telling. Harper has also 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.
Raised in the beautiful coastal city of Perth, Western Australia, now a US resident. Harper grew up listening to folk, soul and blues music and surfing Western Australia's incredible coast line. Harper has been taking his music to the world performing in Australia, the USA, The UK, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore and France. In recent years Harper began a journey of self discovery and revelation which began with a chance meeting with a Hopi "Dan Running Bear" in Silverton, Colorado , USA . Harper became fascinated with the spirituality and culture of the American Natives. He also became aware of how little he knew about the Australian Aborigines of his homeland. He set himself a course which completely changed his whole concept of the indigenous culture of the land in which he lived and this included learning to play the didgeridoo.
Harper is currently touring the USA with upcoming tours to the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. For tour dates, video clip, reviews & info please go to Harper’s Official website: www.harper.biz or www.myspace.com/harperband or Blind Pig Records: www.blindpigrecords.com or www.youtube/harperband
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Christian
Founder of HelpCharity Editor & Journalist for Country Music Christian Lamitschka An der Pfingstweide 28 61118 Bad Vilbel Germany Phone: ++49 (0) 6101 544613 Mobil: ++49 (0) 171 6903352 E-Mail: Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de Internet: www.MySpace.com/HelpCharity Internet: www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka
It sure as hell was but you guys sounded great, are you booked for next year? Also I wanted to mention the link for merch on your site isn't working. Later Kris
PEACE & MANY BLESSINS' ON YOUR PATH BROTHER HARPER!! THANKS FOR KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE!! MAY THERE BE FEW STONES IN YOUR PASSWAY MY FRIEND!! HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE ROAD..TILL THEN.. KEEP MAKING IT DO WHAT IT DO... ~ RR
"DEVIL OFFERED A GOLD DOBRO~I SAID NO,I BE A HOBO!!" ~ RiYeN RoOtS
You guys kick ass! Saw you this weekend at Harvest Fest in maine and you rocked that field. That was me and my bud saturday night in front of the stage with the digj. Keep it up! Kris
Sweetheart.... you and Bonnie and the Boyz are not getting on the right coast of FL for me. Can you change that? We need you again on the east coast. I've had alot of health issues and can't travel far. We need ya'll here and the gp will pay!!!! Come back, come back to see us again!! You are the BOMB!
Thanks you and your band for the great music. You all have a GOD given talent, keep running with it. My family loved your music and your show. I learned some new things about the Didgeridoo that I will use. We all hope to see you guys perform again here in the Great lake state of Michigan again soon.
Our pleasure. We are not "FANS" of many artists these days but you are an exception. Your unique artistry, spirituality, dedication and spectacular show must be seen to be appreciated. The new tunes you shared with us are great. keep working on more. Followed your trip to the U.K. and Ireland, sounds like you are a hit..lol..And a gentle reminder that we would still like to see the Walter Trout/Harper jam video!!..Rick H.
The Groove is Set within your Soul Peter and by letting it Flow you enjoy the Mojo giving by the Powers who give us Dance! Dance on this Great Day and unleash the Love for the Boogie and know I'm close as I feel your Groove! The Winds of Change are near and the Boogie Woogie brings us all together here for the Soul purpose of showing Love for the Arts!