SWISSISSIPPI CHRIS HARPER & GUESTS

Four Aces And A Harp

Swississippi Records

By Dawn O’Keefe Williams

 How do you star in your own CD and yet feature several brilliant stars as well?  With talent and a purposeful vision, Chris Harper managed to do just that.

The genius of Four Aces and A Harp was using Chicago’s own natural resources -- living legends Jimmy Burns, Robert Stroger, John Primer and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith -- to perform Chicago Blues.  Not only are the performers from Chicago, but the CD was recorded in Chicago at Riverside Studio, the home of Delmark Records.  With a unique approach to making this a historical recording, Chris Harper and label partner Dave Katzman focused their vision into reality by inviting these “four aces” to participate.  

On the CD’s cover, Chris Harper seems to be saying:  “Come join the party!”  as you see him and the featured bluesmen playing cards (showing a hand with four aces)  and having a good time.  The cover is not only eye-catching but very inviting. Chicago photographer, Stephen I. Wolf captured every detail in spectacular clarity as if you were there with the guys hanging out.

Swiss born Harper brings his blend of Mississippi and Chicago blues to his label debut, (hence the name Swississippi). Four Aces and A Harp is a thoroughly enjoyable CD that is permeated with rich blues history.  Most of the songs are blues standards peppered with some originals from Chris Harper,  Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (“Born In Arkansas”), and Chicago musician/songwriter Billy Flynn (“What’s Wrong”), as well as a Duke Ellington instrumental on which Harper plays an upbeat harp (“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”).  Harper’s original, “Blues Is My Life,” showcases his vocals on this song, which is a blend of jazz and grit with a hint of Swiss accent. 

Throughout the CD, Chris Harper tastefully plays his harmonica with accents, fills and solos.  Even though this is Harper’s CD, there is a professional give and take, allowing all of the performers to do what they do – play the blues.  That was the vision Dave Katzman and Chris Harper wanted to present, which they have done quite successfully. The classic songs recorded here are what bring people from all walks of life and all over the world to Chicago’s blues clubs.  It’s the songs and the bluesmen singing them that allow you to let your hair down, enjoy the groove and shake off your weary blues. 

The sidemen are becoming legends also. Willie’s son, Kenny “Beady Eyes” Smith, shares drum duty with his dad, while Little Frank Krakowski on guitar and Arriyo on piano have lengthy histories themselves. Throughout the CD are special guests that hail from Chicago such as the famed Tail Dragger whose gravelly voice gives an earthy feel to  “Evil Is Going On”,  as Rockin’ Johnny Burgin and Felix (The Cat) Reyes back him on guitars. Also featured is Buddy Guy’s keyboardist Marty Sammon, a prolific performer, and Mark Wydra, whose signature jazzy blues guitar is present in Harper’s cut “Blues Is My Life”. For that down-home feeling, Rick “Cookin’ Sherry plays washboard on “Evil is Going On” and Peaches Staten rubs the washboard for “Mojo Hand”.  Jimmy Sutton adds to the authenticity with his string bass on several cuts as well.

On the first cut, Jimmy Burns belts out “Hand Me Down My Cane” as it opens with a blazing guitar and thunderous drums.  Harper plays background and then gives a solo, almost making his harp sound like it’s crying the way he holds the notes; with masterful timing he plays a smooth vibrato while keeping pace with the rhythm.  In each song, Harper demonstrates his musical versatility.  For “Down In The Bottom” he plays an octave complimentary to the guitar; on “Sloppy Drunk” his harp provides fills and turn-arounds along with a gentle vibrato.  His musical presence is felt in each song throughout the CD without being overbearing.  Harper’s talent as a musician and a producer, along with Katzman’s production and sound engineering skills, brought the CD they dreamed of to a reality. 

Not to be missed, Katzman is also a talented musician who plays guitar on several cuts such as “I Smell Trouble”, “Down in the Bottom” and the lively “What’s Wrong.”

Four Aces and A Harp takes you through a variety of styles, from hard-hitting blues to feeling like you’re on the back porch in the Delta, hanging out and singing along.   This is authentic blues. If you can’t get to Chicago, you definitely have to get this CD and bring Chicago to you.

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