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 of Blues Revue/ Blueswax USA described Harper recently as" the most exciting act on the live scene today." Carol Borringon from the UK’s biggest blues magazine"Blues Matters" stated"Harper is going to be huge in the UK"
Harper latest Blind Pig Records release,"Stand Together" released on May 18, 2010, is the most artistically realized CD Harper has ever written. The self-produced album marks the first time Harper has recorded a CD using his Michigan-based touring band,"Midwest Kind", a collaboration that pays several dividends. For one, he was able to go deeper into the song arrangements, incorporating some of the interplay of their live performances. And his close relationship with his band members enabled him to craft exactly what he envisioned his songs to be. Though Harper has already been acknowledged as an exemplary composer, his current songwriting has matured and his messages have become more powerful. The greater confidence and polish that come as a result of his non-stop touring schedule have only enhanced his considerable skills as a singer and harmonica player. And his proficiency as a didgeridoo player has increased dramatically since picking up the instrument in 2004.
Harper is a huge favorite on the world wide festival circuit (27 festivals, 2008, 30 festivals, 2009), 2010 looks to be his biggest year yet. 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 a recent tour a Harper live session was aired world wide on BBC London on the Paul Jones Show. Paul Jones described Harper as"extraordinary". UK’s legendary bluesman: John Mayall was so impressed with Harper that he included Harper’s song"Just What You’re Looking For" on his latest release"Tough" (Eagle Records). Now based in Michigan, USA, Harper's killer tour schedule of 250+ shows per year has gained him a grassroots US and international following.
Harper is a multi award winning singer/ songwriter in Australia- winning awards for "Best Male Vocalist" "Song of the Year", "Band of the Year" - (Australian Blues Awards) and "Acoustic Artist of Year"-(TREV awards). Harper is backed by his incredible Michigan based band "Midwest Kind" featuring Drew Pentkowski on guitar, Marc Dixon on drums/ timbales and Chris Wiley Smith on bass guitar. For further information check out Harper's website: www.harper.biz or www.myspace.com/harperband or www.youtube.com/harperband or www.facebook.com/harperandmidwestkind or www.blindpigrecords.com
