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Biography
It’s not an exaggeration to say that music has been a key part of Harper’s life right from the very get go; when he was growing up in Pomona, his grandparents ran a revered music store, The Folk Music Center and Museum. It was frequented by genuine musical luminaries, including Leonard Cohen and blues legend Taj Mahal; the latter was surely an influence in Harper’s teens, when, after playing his first-ever gig at the age of just twelve, he became deeply enamoured with the music of blues forefather Robert Johnson.
Harper’s never just been a straightforward bluesman, though; the first concert he ever attended, at the age of nine, was headlined by Bob Marley, and he’s often spoken of the importance of reggae to his own sound, which also incorporates funk, soul and folk.
Harper – who has a diverse CV that includes amongst his achievements the discovery and signing of Jack Johnson as well as a cameo in the David Lynch film ‘Inland Empire’ – released a slew of well-received records in the nineties, often backed by his band, The Innocent Criminals, but it’s actually been since the turn of the century that he’s enjoyed most success; he’s scooped three Grammy Awards, two for his collaboration with The Blind Boys of Alabama, ‘There Will Be a Light’, in 2005, and another for ‘Get Up!’, the record he released with Charlie Musselwhite in 2013.
Live reviews
Ben Harper's solo show at the Green center last night was, for me,THE show of the summer. The event center was managed like a Swiss clock. Employees everywhere watching every corner of the place to make sure everybody had a great time. The Green Center itself is stunning, from the gorgeous stage and main room to the bathrooms! Hundreds of people all organized and everyone was in a great mood. Ben Harper was riveting from the very first song! We sat out on the green and watched the huge video screen outside. It was a lovely evening and we walked by several times and watched Ben Harper performing on stage. He was absolutely riveting and for most every song, you could've heard a pin drop, even outside on the grass! Everyone was focused on this artist. He brought a beautiful woman out to sing with him and people were wondering who she was. It was his mother! Now that's a very conscious and cool guy that will bring his mother out to sing on stage!! She had a voice like an angel and their voices together were heavenly. Ben Harper is a wordsmith. Every song, every word cuts like a knife into the psyche, strumming the poetic vein in each and every one of us. This man speaks from his Soul and Spirit; he gives words to what most people never dare to think, much less utter so candidly! And Harper is one of my top three performers EVER! Weather on record or "live", he is extremely magnanimous and gives everything he's got to his listener. Need I say...LOVED IT!!!!!
Gegil
American singer-songwriter Ben Harper is one of those artists that hasn’t quite managed to capture the magic of his live performances on his studio recordings. It’s not that his albums are in anyway bad (far from it, he has created many of my favourite albums), but that he is so exceptional live that his recordings pale in comparison.
I first saw him at the Hammersmith Apollo, London, back in 2004 with his backing band The Innocent Criminals. From the opening of "Take My Mind" to closer "With My Own Two Hands / War," he was absolutely incredible, his distinctive voice impassioned and his guitar skills far more electric than you’d imagine. His more rock-inspired songs, like the funky "Brown Eyed Blues" and the stoner rock of "Temporary Remedy," were accentuated with otherworldly guitar solos and near-screamed vocals.
However, I have always been a bigger fan of his softer side, and he often dedicates large segments of his concerts to an acoustic section. On this particular night in London he performed delicate solo versions of "Waiting On An Angel" and "Walk Away," both beautiful, but the best song was a moving rendition of "Amen Omen."
Ben Harper has had a long and versatile career, performing in different projects and trying his hand at a variety of genres, but the one thing that has remained consistent is the quality of his thrilling and intimate live shows.
cliverozario
Some artists really seem to reimagine their music when performing live so that it is almost unrecognisable to the recorded material. Ben Harper is one of these artists as the way in which he expands and reinterprets his folk rock sound is rather astounding. Supported by a whole host of accompanying musicians onstage, the whole operation is complex and engaging to watch as an audience member as you are trying to identify where this plethora of sounds is coming from.
The Grammy award winning star has enjoyed critical success throughout his career since his very first album in 1994. Due to this consistent level of quality, the audience seems pretty happy to hear any material that Harper has selected for the show. 'Welcome to the Cruel World' is particularly energetic and sees the whole band really jam out beneath the ornate chandelier lighting.
Harper also covers a selection of his influencers and personal favourites including Ellen Harper and Mazzy Star in his own unique way. He is also one of the only performers I know who could return for a second encore comprising of nine tracks, but by the sound of the audience's cheers they would have been happy to hear him play all night.
sean-ward
Wonderful Moment! It was the second time I saw Ben Harper In show and the both nights were incredible!
It's a really impresive moment of music. It's not just a succession of songs, Ben and Charlie customize each song to make a special one. It's a very musical concert. There isn't electronics sounds like all the news common songs, the instruments make the work. As a spectator, you see that Ben, Charlie and their 3 musicians take some pleasure on stage in front of public.
Thank's to Ben and Charlie!
snakekiller68
It was a great show in a fantastic places that is Red Rock Amphitheater. Ben is always the best and giving is 100%, it was nice to see his band in action. Loved his choices of song for the show. I prayed he will sing " Burn one down" and he did but I guess it was inevitable in Colorado. What a great singer, so full of emotions. Loved it!
Bubbleblues
Ben Harper is truly an amazing and talented musician. He keeps a dialog going with the audience all thru his set. He played for two hours nonstop and kept the crowd energetic and enthused the entire time. This was my second time to see him and the next time he comes around you can guarantee I will be there.
Jlwillerson
What an amazing artist and human being, you cannot help but love him to bits, men and women alike.
We stood maybe 4 rows from the stage and had the best fans around us and an amazing concert experience!
Highly recommend any of Ben's concerts!
On a bad note, he refused to play sexual healing?!? Why?!? :(
raquelita-dm
Awesome show....was good enough on Saturday that I went to see it on Sunday night as well.
Was well worth seeing two nights as they played a bunch of the same songs....but it was different with a bunch more laid back tracks.
Much respect between these two amazing artists.
dean.collins
Amazing show! Pure talent, soul and caring for music. I am just waiting to see he and his band again. Absolutely in love.
In this show with Charlie Musselwhite it was all about quality blues. Two legends together making magic happen.
Amaliapombrol
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