Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me - A Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt , by Erin Harpe and it's a super tribute to Mississippi John Hurt featuring Jim Countryman . Opening with Candy Man , a classic John Hurt track, and Erin Harpe is enthusiastic about Hurt's music and guitar styling. A modified Piedmont styling requiring a great thumb, she asked Jim Countryman to join on acoustic bass to assist with the sound. With precise finger picking and unique vocal quality, this is solid blues. On title track, Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me , the track has a definite Jimmie Rogers feel and cool guitar vocal exchange. Richland Woman has a cool, laid back feel with understated guitar accompaniment and easy lead vocals. My favorite track on the release is Hurt's classic, Stagolee and Harpe hits the perfect stride with just the right blend of vocal and guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Jimmie Davis ' track, ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Meet Me In The Middle , from Erin Harpe , and it's a cool, acoustic country blues release. Opening with self penned, All Night Long , Harpe on acoustic slide and lead vocal, backed by Jim Countryman on ukulele bass and backing vocals. With a slight boogie beat and a touch of swing, this is a cool opener. Sippie Wallace's Woman Be Wise is a great showcase for Harpe's vocals and her guitar work is clean and tight. Lucille Bogan, well know for her suggestive lyrics, penned I Hate That Train Called the M&O , and Harpe does a great job of delivering the goods with a powerful voice and tight blues riffs. On blues classic, Rollin' and Tumblin' Harpe hangs tight on slide over the thumping bass line of Countryman. A cool interpretation, possibly my favorite on the release. Geeshie Wiley's country blues track, Pick Poor Robin Clean , has a lot of spunk and piedmont playing, accompanied by Harpe on kazoo g...