Mississippi Blues. Harmon was very specific about that. Not Chicago Blues, but the real thing from his home state. That and a lot of fun.
Harmon is singer, songwriter, storyteller, guitarist, philosopher and personality. He knows how to make an entrance, and an exit, and talk to a crowd. Maybe not the greatest vocalist, nor the most distinctive, but he makes good use of what he's got in a smooth and masterful style. As a guitarist he's economical, making the notes do the work. He can play the fast stuff when he wants to, but the sparser style predominates and allows for a more ensemble sound than some would do.
That's a plus, or he has an excellent backing band. Ralph Forrest on drums, Chris Gipson on 5 string bass, Texas Slim providing rhythm guitar, and the coolest man on the stage, Corey Carmichael on keyboards and piano. All provide backing vocals, all have their moments of solo glory, and all take their chances well, whilst providing a solid unit for Harmon to shine against. Gipson stood out as a great bass player, solid and imaginative, an important part of the fun element and no mean dancer.
Harmon tells stories, the guys joke around. There was a fun dance sequence between Carmichael and Gipson I managed to capture a bit of, and that's a good indication of the atmosphere they'd built up in a steamy Spiegeltent by half way through the set. Following a great version of Dylan's Knocking On Heaven's Door they had the audience on their feet and singing along big time, with Harmon taking a mike around the floor.
Quality music, real entertainment and a jumping venue. For me this was the perfect opener to this year' Jazz and Blues Fest. And the Harmon CD will be getting a lot of play now.
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