HARPER
Way Down Deep Inside (On Core/Under the Radar)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Australian harp master and singer Harper's been a very busy bluesman. This summer, Harper's played the Kalamazoo Blues Festival with Sistah Monica, Blissfest with Fruitland Jackson, and Long Island's Riverhead Blues Festival with Kerry Kearney and Joe Bonamassa. He's also played the Blues by the Bay Blues Fest in Tawas, Michigan, and will be helping Harley-Davidson celebrate their 100th anniversary. Not a bad month, stateside. Once he returns home Down Under, he'll launch Way Down Deep Inside in his native Australia. He's crafted a smart and crisp blues record, with the funky "I Really Don't Know" or ballads like ""Soul Food." "Does Anybody Really Care" is a sad commentary on how Aboriginal people have been treated, whether they hail from Melbourne or Milwaukee. Steve Davies' didgeridoo flavors "I Know," but my favorite is the kick-out the jams of "I Wonder," fueled by Harper's considerable harp and songwriting chops. If you can't join Harper with the Harleys, sample his work at www.harper.biz, which includes an updated tour diary from the road.

Track List:

Don't Have to Explain Yourself * Way Down Deep Inside * I Know * Soul Food * Does Anybody Really Care * Do Whatever You Want To * Mystery * I Wonder * I Really Don't Know * I Swear I'm Innocent * As Strange As It Seems

© 2003 - Eric Steiner