GRANT DERMODY
Crossing That River (self-released)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

---

Sometimes, discovering a new CD is all about timing. Had I heard Grant Dermody's Crossing That River in 2003 upon its release, it would've been a strong competitor for my list of Top Five Blues CDs of 2003. This solo release from harmonica virtuoso Grant Dermody is a welcome debut, following many years of session and blues festival work. I first saw Grant at Centrum's Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop three years ago, and marveled at his work with counry blues artists like Cephas and Wiggins, Big Joe Duskin, and John Jackson. Grant has dedicated Crossing That River to Jackson, the late giant of Piedmont blues, and the CD insert contains a priceless picture of them as their smiles light up the liner notes. Grant recruited fellow harp genius Joe Filisko, guitarists John Cephas and Orville Johnson, and more than 17 other musicians for the CD's 15 tracks, and they range from traditional blues and Gospel to folk and Calypso, all woven together by Grant's harp. Check out Grant's sweetly understated harmonica on Skip James' "Look At the People Standing in The Judgement" behind John Cephas' vocals and guitar, or the harmonica duets of "I'm Gonna Cross That River of Jordan (One of These Days)" with Joe Filisko, and "Anacostia Two-Step" with Phil Wiggins, and you'll discover a bright, young blues harmonica talent. When not performing solo or teaching at the Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop or the Augusta Heritage Center in West Virginia, Grant plays in an acoustic blues trio, The Improbabillies, and with electric blues funk band The Harmonicasters.

[Pick this up at CDBaby.]

Track List:

Breakthrough * Why You Been Gone So Long * Greasy Coat * Standing at the Judgement * Get to Heaven on My Own * It's Alright * River of Jordan * The Leeward Side * Slow Boat * Anacostia Two-Step * Cut You Loose * What Comes Around * Boats Up River * By Be Baby * Yew Piney Mountain

© 2004 - Eric Steiner