Fresh off the radio play and tour success of his latest album What It Is (ranked #20 in the Top 100 World Blues Albums for 2014) Harpdog Brown launched the Travelin’ Blues Show with up-and-coming guitarist Jordie Edmonds and upright bassist Pat Darcus.
Together, this trio emotes the essence of blues with every note.
Whether they’re taking you further on down the road of their favourite blues standards, or delivering that vintage sound through a modern original like Facebook Woman, this is blues the way it was meant to be.
Like Howlin’ Wolf had Hubert Sumlin, a true driving force behind the powerful stage presence of Wolf, Jordie Edmonds brings the same level of authenticity to Harpdog. He plays the guitar like it’s a language, not a sport, lowdown and understated at times, but when it’s time to show some flash… he’s got all it takes to wow the listeners.
Throw in the punchy doghouse bass rhythm delivered by Vancouver’s finest, Pat Darcus, and you have something truly special. Exceptional musicians individually, they combine to deliver a performance that is unique, refreshing and leaves audiences spellbound.
This is an honest, early electric blues sound that many have strived to achieve yet few have succeeded, other than the masters of the time. With the aid of early 1950’s vintage amps and sound system they’re actually bringing the old vinyl sound to the stage.
True to his calling, Harpdog Brown unleashes monster tone and presence through that wonderful little instrument called the harmonica. He delivers such a powerful performance that it’s hard to imagine there is a better harp player alive.
His sound and delivery earned him the title of Canada’s Harmonica Player of the Year at the 2015 Maple Blues Awards Gala (Canada’s Grammys of the Blues). Now in 2016, he’s captured the title for the second consecutive year!
They’ve just spent the last few weeks recording their new album at Bigtone Records and Greaseland Records in California. The new CD will be released this spring, but those lucky enough to attend their Saturday, March 12 performance at Studio Live are in for a treat and will be among the first to hear the new material performed live.
Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are available at Bop City Records in Courtenay, Blue Heron Books in Comox and Rider’s Pizza in Cumberland. Studio Live is located at 2679 Beaufort Ave. in Cumberland.