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| Zac Harmon’s debut studio album On September 27 Zac Harmon’s debut studio album, The Blues According to Zacariah (2005 Bluestone Records/33rd Street Records), will be released as a result of an exclusive distribution agreement with Bayside Entertainment Distribution. To celebrate the occasion Bluestone Records and Moose McGillycuddy’s in Pasadena, California will host a blues benefit on Thursday, September 29 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina featuring performances by Zac Harmon and the Mid South Blues Revue (MSBR), Bonne Musique Zydeco, The Dennis Jones Band and Gregg Wright. The Blues According to Zacariah reflects Harmon’s commitment to the blues taking the listener from the pulpit to the juke joint with such standouts as "That Mighty High, " "Who’s Knockin’, " "It Hurts Me Too, " and "Comfort Of A Man." Guest appearances on The Blues According to Zacariah include Mickey Champion as vocalist on "It Hurts Me Too, " and Gregg Wright, guitarist, on "Comfort Of A Man." Zac Harmon plays lead guitar, bass and keyboard as well as lead and background vocals. He is joined by present and former members of MSBR; Jeff Stone on harmonica, Doug "Dug Mug" Swanson on bass, Rodney "BR" Millon on guitar, Bill Purdy on organ and piano and "Cool" Cora Coleman on drums. Additional artists include Phil Gates (guitar and background vocals), Christopher Troy (piano, organ and horns), Tracy Carter (organ, clavicles and background vocals), Joshua Dunham, Andrew Gouche, P-Bass Jones (all bass) and Shannon Pearson and Dwight Wright (background vocals). The album features six originals, all of which were co-composed. The opening uplifting gospel song "That Mighty High" composed with Tracy Carter and "Cool" Cora Coleman is followed by a solid blues song, "Sugarman, " composed with MSBR guitarist Rodney "BR" Millon with some satisfying thrills from Stone, demonstrating Harmon’s range and versatility in the first two tracks. "Who’s Knockin’" written with Phil Gates has humorous lyrics and quirky guitar showing that sometimes music shouldn’t be taken too seriously. "That’s Why, " composed with Christopher Troy, features Harmon displaying prowess on the guitar. Harmon’s soulful voice comes through loud and strong on "Comfort Of A Man, " written with Christopher Troy. And finally "Hole In My Heart" written with Dennis Jones tastefully brings together all the elements of a good blues song. The remaining three songs are covers rearranged with Harmon’s flair; "It’s Cool With Me" written by former student Eddie Cotton, "Mannish Boy" written by Melvin London, Ellas McDaniels and McKinley Morganfield (Muddy Waters) and "It Hurts Me Too" composed by Melvin London. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |