Big Harp George - Uptown Cool (2018)

Big Harp George continues his crusade to revolutionize the blues and bring the genre roaring forward into the twenty-first century. To start with the obvious: no one but George has ever featured the chromatic harmonica or "big harp" as a primary instrument; all others have, instead, employed the smaller diatonic harmonica, resorting to the chromatic only sparingly. In George's hands, the chromatic is a beguiling new voice, with fresh colorations and moods that range from dark and despairing to soaring and elegant. Meanwhile, George's songwriting is pathbreaking in its ambition.

George is taking the blues idiom to new heights, commenting on contemporary life in all its manifestations, from internet dating to sexual harassment and national politics. No one escapes his rapier wit, neither persons of power, nor even himself. By holding up a mirror to ourselves, and helping us to remember how silly we all can be on occasion, George's music has a way of uniting us in a divisive world. This inclusive vibe is furthered by George's occasional foray into international music, including influences from Brazilian jazz and popular styles. All of this is delivered through absolutely top musicianship, from George himself to the crack musicians he invites to play with him. It takes a confident band leader to leave space for others to shine. George clearly relishes the brilliance of his supporting musicians, leaving ample space for them to contribute their creativity to the songs. This kind of ensemble playing is rarely encountered in the blues world today, where individual showmanship too often eclipses the whole. Big Harp George delivers "thinking persons blues" for the modern world, breathing fresh vitality into the genre, which is one of our most important cultural gifts to the world.



Track List:
01. Down To The Rite Aid (5:11)
02. Internet Honey (4:27)
03. Alternative Facts (5:30)
04. I Wanna Know (4:01)
05. Nobody's Listening (5:09)
06. In The First Place (4:17)
07. Standing In The Weather (4:00)
08. Bulletproof (4:43)
09. Cold Snap By The Bay (5:48)
10. Just Calm Yourself (3:46)
11. Uptown Cool (4:06)
12. Lord, Make Me Chaste (5:48)

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