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Words by: Lindsay Colip | Images by: Michael Jurick
Ben Harper and Relentless7 :: 05.27.09 :: The Fillmore :: San Francisco, CA
I can sum this show up in two words: TWO ENCORES. Something really magical is happening to Ben Harper, as evident by this performance at The Fillmore. The addition of the Relentless7 - Jason Mozersky (lead guitar), Jesse Ingalls (bass/keys) and Jordan Richardson (drums) - might be responsible for his new glow.
The overwhelming love and support he was getting from the sold out house was something I haven't seen in awhile. It almost brought him to tears. If you aren't familiar with what's been going on in Harper's world for the last year, check out JamBase's feature article with him from last month. The really quick story is that Mozersky has balls of steel. The longer version involves Mozersky (then a part time musician/part time van driver responsible for getting musicians to venues in Austin, TX) getting up the nerve to hand Harper his demo tape. Harper, being one of the nicer human beings on the planet, actually listened to the tape and liked it so much that he helped Mozersky's then band, Wan Santo Condo, get a record deal. From there a friendship was formed and it was inevitable that these two would and should be playing together at some point. Add an insanely talented drummer (Richardson) and a slick bassist (Ingalls) and you have Harper's first real rock & roll band. At this moment I feel compelled to quote the proverb "you can't steal second base with your foot on first." Thank goodness Mozersky took a risk because Harper has never sounded better or more confident. The Relentless 7 has truly lit a fire under the man.
In the audience there was a girl who had paid a whopping $150 for a ticket. Even though she hadn't heard any of his new album, White Lies for Dark Times, she respected Harper so much as an artist that she would've paid anything. This notion is particularly pertinent in times where people are downloading for free, not going to see shows because of financial woes, etc. This girl loved him so much that she dished out all she could to see him live. That is the power of Harper. As Mozersky told me, Harper has the respect of the older generation and now with this new album and group, he's breathing in new life and capturing a new set of fans that also admire and respect him. The crowd was definitely diverse, with bold old and young fans alike rocking out.
 Ben Harper and Relentless7 :: 05.05.09 |
Speaking of rocking, these guys are power rockers. Mozersky and Harper slayed what seemed like 45 different guitars, including a slide, an acoustic and a 12-string. Impressive. They came out with an intensity and energy that I've never seen from Harper before and it was refreshing. People seemed really excited to see him let loose a little bit, dance around, waive his hands, fist pump, sing loudly and play enthusiastically with his new band. Harper even did a stage jump or two - he was that into the music he was playing. I think the circumstances under which they played had something to do with the band's energy as well. Not only were they playing at the historic and awe-inspiring Fillmore but they had just been photographed by music photographer legend, Jim Marshall. I saw Marshall go right up to Mozersky and compliment him on his guitar skills in the same breath that he stated, "I just photographed Bruce Springsteen." For a guy who is just getting used to the limelight, the words from Marshall were powerful. How could you not be overly keyed up to play after hearing THAT comment?
The band's momentum took them through numerous cuts from their album, including current single "Shimmer and Shine," all the way to a rad cover of "Under Pressure" and Harper oldie "Another Lonely Day." At one point Harper sang without a microphone over a hushed crowd. It was a special moment for him and he even said afterwards, "I'd like to thank Bill Graham for building this beautiful, beautiful house." We'd like to thank Bill Graham as well. Musicians seem to come to life in this venue and no doubt that the ghosts from legends past are present and aiding in the magic. The band came to their high point during "Keep It Together," where everyone had time to rock out a little bit and show off how freaking talented they all are. A wicked guitar solo from Mozersky, followed by an equally sick slide guitar solo from Harper, and a quick drum run from Ingalls were all so impressive the crowd was going nuts. Harper actually got his start in music on a slide guitar and didn't pick up any other kind of guitar until well into his teenage years. It was obvious that he had mastered this craft at an early age, playing it effortlessly and confidently.
 Ben Harper and Relentless7 :: 05.05.09 |
In fact, all of the guys started playing when they were super young and when asked about advice in the music business, they all mentioned honing in on your craft as the most important. Stay focused and get really good at whatever instrument you play. Try different styles of music, perform in different types of venues for different amounts of people, play around with different types of your instrument, constantly practice and learn new techniques. If you work hard and become a master at your craft, people will find you and want you. It might take a while and it might be a struggle, but it will eventually pay off in spades. "Playing for five people builds character," Mozersky said. Thankfully it helped him build the confidence to approach Harper as well.
Overall, this was a truly impressive, high energy rock & roll show. The guys were on fire and the crowd couldn't get enough. After one encore, the audience wouldn't cease yelling and screaming and eventually the band came back out. Harper looked as if he was overwhelmed with gratitude, which made the fans scream even louder. They rocked a few more songs and then upon leaving the stage for the third time, the crowd started up its yelling again. I honestly thought they might come out for another encore it was so damn loud. To our dismay, the lights went on in the venue, and one could see smiles and high fives were everywhere. The Relentless7 have a serious future ahead of them, and are amassing a big following from just this one album. They are touring all summer, at home and abroad, and then continuing on through 2010. If you're jonesing to see some crazy talented rock musicians combined with an amped up Ben Harper, this is your concert of the summer.
Ben Harper and Relentless7 tour dates available here.
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