James Harman
Takin' Chances
(Cannonball CBD 29107)
There is a lot to like about this latest
release from harp honker James Harman. He tells interesting stories with catchy phrases
and good grooves. Aside from being an excellent harmonica player, Harman knows how to
craft a song and make it work. Just look at who is playing guitar for him: Kid Ramos,
Buddy Reed, Bob Margolin and some guy by the name of Junior Watson. Kid has been a
favorite of mine ever since I first saw him several years ago, playing some fantastic axe
with the Thunderbirds. Since then, Ramos has continued to grow as an artist, first with a
solo album and then through guest shots like this one. His last few gigs with the T Birds
here in town verify that he has been able to focus all that amazing raw energy into a
unique sound. There is no doubt that Kid Ramos really enhances some of the tracks on this
CD. One of the stranger tracks, "Crapshoot," features Kid playing an old red
plastic Supro resonator guitar with a DeArmond violin pickup glued to the bridge. No,
honestly! You think I could make something like that up?! Another of my favorites, Junior
Watson is also put to extremely good use by Harman. A founding member of Rod Piazza's
Mighty Flyers, a player with Canned Heat, and a guest with such illuminaries as Jimmy
Rogers, Charlie Musselwhite, and George Harmonica Smith, my first and favorite taste of
the outrageously entertaining Watson came through Kim Wilson's "Tigerman"
release a few years ago. His licks are unexpected but always right on the money. Check out
"Decisions" to hear some elegant duel guitar work from Watson that is out of
this world. Let's not even mention Bob Margolin, who worked with Luther 'Georgia Boy'
Johnson and eventually ended up playing with Muddy Waters; one of his biggest influences.
His slide work on "Gamblin' Blues" both recalls the Mudster and showcases his
own abilities. Oops, I said let's not even mention him, didn't I? And lest you think I am
overlooking the great keyboard work of Tom Mahon or the drum skills of Stephen Hodges (who
plays on the road with some group called the Smashing Pumpkins), check out the handiwork
on the track "Read My Mind" and tell me Harman doesn't know a good thing when he
hears it. James wrote all but one song on this release; bringing his own wit and turn of a
phrase to each of the 13 (uh oh) tracks. Not a track to skip in the whole shebang. It is
of little wonder that this CD made all the Blues DJ's top ten list; it should be on the
top of everyone's list. Rock solid harmonica work, shuffling compositions and strong,
soaring vocals put James Harman in league with the big boys.
- Bill
Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 1999
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1999 Reviews - available at our store
