Zac Harmon
The Blues According To Zacariah
Bluestone Records
2004, Zac Harmon and the Mid South Blues Revue (MSBR) won
The Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge for Best Unsigned Blues Band. Now, on
the strength this debut studio album, Harmon has been nominated for a Blues Music Award
for Best New Artist Debut. Jackson, Mississippi's Zac Harmon is a scholar of the city's
blues sound. While growing up in the 50's and 60's, Harmon hung out on Farish Street (in
particular at his father's pharmacy), and developed into a guitarist, organist and
vocalist. Of course the Church was a big influence. While pursuing a college education, he
put his music on the back-burner. However, he couldn't permanently escape his musical
calling. In 1980, he moved to Los Angeles and began a career in music. There, Harmon
worked as a studio musician and writer/producer for many years. In 2002, he recorded his
first blues project Live at Babe & Ricky's Inn.
This time around he pays tribute to the legends that
inspired him. On The Blues According To Zacariah, Harmon performs lead guitar, bass,
keyboards and lead vocals as well as produces. He is joined by present and former members
of MSBR. The opening track is a danceable and funky celebration about a train bound for
Heaven in Jesus' name. Here, Harmon's vocals are soulful and convicted - like the great
Mighty Sam McClain. "Sugarman" and "It's Cool With Me" are deep blues.
The former contains a twirling harp that gives the song a downhome feeling. The latter is
entrenched in the south. "Who's Knockin" is very energetic. It contains a catchy
rhythm and sweet slide guitar. With intonating vocals that are expressive and smooth, it
sounds like Harmon is in conversation on it. In fact, the song is so entertaining; you can
almost picture the main characters pleasantly squabbling. Vocally, "That's Why"
is slick and ideal for airplay on late night pillow talk radio.
Guest appearances include Mickey Champion (vocals) on
"It Hurts Me Too" and Gregg Wright (guitar) on "Comfort Of A Man". His
guitar tone, on the soft, loving song, is similar to those found on heavy metal ballads.
Primarily, this is due to Christopher Troy's production, which accentuates the L.A. sound.
You can tell Harmon is a versatile showman based on his
charismatic presentation. Throughout, Zac displays his divinely bestowed talents in
guitar, songwriting and vocals. In fact, Harmon's wide ranging vocals are so diverse
you'll question why there are other lead vocalists on the album. This CD was definitely
one of 2005's better debuts.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - May 2006
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