James Harman - Lonesome Moon Trance (2003)

A new James Harman album is always something worth waiting for. Rather than just getting a band into the studio and fulfilling another contractual obligation, Harman carefully crafts a collection of short stories based on his observations of what is going on around him and in the wider world. Then he records them using his vision of the sound he wants to achieve. This approach does not work for everybody, but on his latest album, "Lonesome Moon Trance," Harman shows just how effective it can be.

The album opens in stunning style with "Double Hogback Growler" where Harman serves up some excellent SBWII style harp licks, and has excellent support from Kid Ramos on guitar. Then it is all change (apart from the main man and James Michael Tempo on percussion) to set things rocking on "Lowdown Grown Up Jive." By the time you have cruised through the funky instrumental "Skeet-a-little Taste," and the highly perceptive "Piecework Politicians" - "Strictly on commission/Getting paid only when the job gets done" - you are starting to wonder when the quality is going to tail off.

The good news is... it never does. Shuffle ("Time will tell"), low and slow ("Miss Bessie Mae" - about Harman's late lamented dog, whose picture appears on the cover), whatever, it is all right out of the top drawer. Harman even offers advice on how to listen to the closer "Lonesome Moon Trance," which hints at ju-ju, although I have not followed his prescription yet.

"Lonesome Moon Trance" is the best blues album of 2003, no ifs, buts or maybes. Harman remains as keen eyed and sharp witted as ever, and his harp playing and singing are both bang on form. Add in a bunch of high class musicians, and you end up with something that comes pretty close to the perfect album. If you only buy one blues album this year, "Lonesome Moon Trance" should be it. Terrific stuff. ~Gordon Baxter