Photo of Harper

Harper

Harper Radio

Music

FEATURED SONG
We Stand Together.mp3
  1. Play
  2. Play Next
  3. Add to queue
We Stand Together.mp3
Album:
Released: Apr 16, 2012
Label:

General Info

  • Genre: Blues / Indie / Soul

    Location Detroit, United States

    Profile Views: 432347

    Last Login: 5/11/2012

    Member Since 1/29/2006

    Website www.harper.biz

    Record Label Blind Pig Records www.blindpigrecords.com

    Type of Label Indie

  • Bio

    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

  • Members

    Harper, Lead Vocals, Harp, Didgeridoo Matt Besey, Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals Chris Wiley Smith, Bass Guitar, Djembe, Backing Vocals Scott Key, Drums, .. .. .. .. .. Harper: Lead Vocals, Harmonica & didgeridoo. Drew Pentkowski: 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.

  • Sounds Like

    "World music meets rockin' blues fusion" .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Stream

  1. Harper

    This week's shows: Mon -Tully's-Sharon, Pa, Wed- Dinosaur BBQ, Rochester, Thur-Dinosaur BBQ, Syracuse, NY,... http://t.co/KxtpMRDd

  2. Harper

    Happy Mothers Day everyone, including my Mum in Perth, Western Australia!!!

  3. Harper

    Tonight - The Funky Blues Shack, Sandestin, Florida. Our last show in Florida woohoo!!!

  5. Harper

    Mega Jam last night at The Paradise Inn, Pensacola Beach, Florida. Tonight we do it again. We hit at 6pm

Comments

Post a comment...
  • Richard Harris


    Happy Easter Harper!
     

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT EASTER ...

    "The SPIRIT OF EASTER

    is all about

    HOPE, LOVE and JOYFUL LIVING.

    Happy Easter!"

    EASTER SPELLS OUT BEAUTY ~

    THE RARE BEAUTY OF NEW LIFE!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.myspace.com/richardharrislive

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com


     

    1 month ago
  • Ricky Molina

    Hello, Hope you are doing great. . I just pass by to say Hello to you. . take care. Hola espero que te encuentres muy bien. . solamenta pasava para saludarte... center>

    3 months ago
  • John Didge

     Harper! Thanks! Woo!

    5 months ago
  • Cadillac Black

     Dig what you're doing!

    6 months ago

Harper Biography

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 harmonica, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. By combining traditional and modern influences, borrowing from Western and Aboriginal music, Harper has created a highly original take on the roots genre which many have labeled "World Blues". His innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback, breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. The powerful guitar sounds and the unique drone of the didgeridoo create raw yet eerie sonic textures, some how sounding primal and contemporary at the same time. No Depression Magazine,'s Rod Ames, adds that Harper " has written and arranged some of the most soulful blues rock filled music I've heard in quite sometime". . Harper's new CD “Live at the Blues Museum” (Release date, April 16, 2012- PdHarp Records) 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 10 years and it has proven to be worth the wait. This new CD features 15 original tracks, over 75 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. Eric Harabadian from Detroit Live Magazine states "This disc is a prime example when sublime inspiration and diverse cultures collide; beautiful things blossom!. You've got Australian singer/songwriter Peter Harper paired with mid Michigan musicians Matt Besey (Guitar/vocals), Chris Wiley Smith (Bass/ djembe/vocals) and Scott Key (Drums) for a performance that is riveting and truly one of a kind". Harper has also been described 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", Rambles Magazine USA. Harper's 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”. 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's 2010 release "Stand Together" (Blind Pig Records) reached number 10 on the Billboard Charts and the US Roots Music Charts. "Stand Together" also reached number 2 on the XM/ Sirius Bluesville national Charts, USA. 2010. "Stand Together" was also nominated for "Most Outstanding Recording" by The 2011 Detroit Music Awards. Harper and his band Midwest Kind were listed in the "Top Concerts of 2011 for the City of Chicago" by Chicago Concert Goers Ezine. Art Tipaldi, editor of Blues Revue recently described Harper as "a singer with the deep soul of Motown, a harmonica player who can graft Sonny Boy II and Little Walter with John Popper, a songwriter who tells his own compelling stories in an unhurried, J.J. Cale-like manner, and a musical visionary who is unafraid to mix the didgeridoo, an important part of the Australian indigenous culture, with infectious modern percussive rhythms". Born in the United Kingdom, Harper’s musical journey began early, performing in brass bands playing the trumpet and euphonium. At the age of ten, his family moved half way the world to Perth, Western Australia, and his father introduced Harper to the harp. In Perth, one of the most isolated cities in the world, there was a thriving blues and folk scene. The blues had a rawness, an honesty and a passion of the soul which spoke to Harper deeply. Then, like every blues lover, Harper began his journey backwards to discover the deeper roots of the music. "I think Muddy Waters really hit me hard. There was something incredibly special about his sound, his powerful voice and his songs. I would sing his songs constantly. I also really dug Sonny Boy Williamson II as well. I loved his rhythmic use of his harp. I was also inspired by a pretty wide range of players and styles like Little Walter, Sugar Blue and Stevie Wonder who guide me in my harmonica playing. "But Harper did not stop his search with the blues. It was a chance meeting with a Hopi "Dan Running Bear" in Silverton, Colorado, that led him down the path to rediscovering the music of his homeland. Fascinated with the spirituality and culture of the American Natives, he found the same qualities present in the Australian Aborigines of his homeland. On adding the native didgeridoo to his music, Harper says "It is a sound I grew up with, so it seemed natural to add it to my songwriting particularly when the lyrics related to the plight of the Aborigines in Australia. When I added the didgeridoo to the more traditional blues instruments, it worked. The deep woody qualities and its haunting drone seemed to enhance the emotional quality of my stories. The didgeridoo is a spiritual and healing instrument, and it seemed blues music accepted it with open arms." Prior to his introduction to American audiences, Harper released six albums to great acclaim in his homeland of Australia. Harper received a Gold Record for "Sailing Australia" (America's Cup Theme). In 1994 he moved to Melbourne, Victoria and released his first album, "Tears of Ice". This was followed by "Yesterday Is Over" in 1996 with his band Blue Devil and "Live At The Soup Kitchen" in 1997 as a soloist. In 2000, he released "Glass on The Stepping Stone" and "Live At St. Andrew’s" in 2002. In 2003 he released "Way Down Deep Inside", for which he received two harmonica awards and “Album of the Year” honor from US Magazine's Guide to the Best of the Blues Harmonicas & Beyond. Over the years Harper has received multiple Australian Blues Awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Acoustic Artist of the Year.”Harper was also invited to perform at a Royal Gala Performance for the Queen of England in Perth, Western Australia. His prolific recording career and memorable stage performances allowed Harper to take his music beyond Australia. He’s played in the USA, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and France. He first started performing in the United States in 1996, and has toured here regularly since. It was on one of these tours that he caught the attention of Blind Pig, which made him their first international signing. With a home at a U.S. label and growing appreciation for his music from American audiences, Harper made the permanent move to the U.S. His animated shows have been well received at blues festivals, world music festivals, and by fans of jam band music.Harper has become a huge favorite on the world wide festival scene with 28 festivals booked in 2008, 30 festivals booked in 2009 and 32 festivals booked in 2010 and 31 in 2011. It was during one of these recent festival appearances that Chip Eagle, Publisher for Blues Revue/ Blueswax enthusiastically offered "Harper is the most exciting act on the live scene today". He was also invited to perform harmonica on stage several times with US super group- "Journey". Harper’s first Blind Pig release and American debut, 2005’s Down To The Rhythm, won accolades from the press for its unique sound and virtuoso performances, coupled with Harper’s compositional skill. “Harper is a crack harp player and he plays the instrument with both speed and efficiency, but it would be a mistake to pigeonhole Harper as just an impressive instrumentalist. He is also a solid songwriter, and a soulful singer with a knack for impassioned sincerity,” said All Music Guide. BluesWax noted, “There is much to enjoy here: clever songwriting, top-notch guitar, powerful rhythms, and some great Harper harp! ”Harper’s second release from Blind Pig Records, Day By Day (2007), provided fans wih another prime example of why his unique roots music style occupies a category of its own. Ramble Magazine raved that Harper's harp and lyrics have " depth of feeling and thought that is unusual in today's music ..Harper's music is essential. It should be widely heard". Downbeat Magazine added "Harper uses his trump cards- a strong and direct singing voice, a stirring harmonica out of Sonny Boy Williamson 11 and Little Walter , a droning didgeridoo - to give his melodic tunes an excitement that suits his intelligent use of blues rock and soul forms". Blues legend John Mayall loved Harper's songs so much so, that he included " Just What Your'e Looking For" as track 2 on his new CD "Tough" (Eagle Records) Harper is at the top of his game on "Stand Together" (2010) and his new Live CD "Live at The Blues Museum" (2012). Both CDs showcase his trademark powerful soulful voice, virtuoso harp playing, haunting didgeridoo, deeply, soulful grooves and unparalleled songwriting and compelling lyrics. With his chops at their best and his band "Midwest Kind" sharing his vision, Harper will continue to turn heads of audiences who are looking for originality, honesty, passion and skill in modern roots music. .

Login

Forgot password?

Need an account? Sign up