Jack Hardy was a songwriter’s songwriter, the most influential definer of the Fast Folk era in New York City. He left an indelible imprint with his solo production, in addition to his activity as a promoter of the folk scene and discoverer of talents until his untimely passing in 2011 – aged 63, succumbing to lung cancer. A hugely important figure that wrote an impressive number of outstanding songs. Lucinda Williams, who knows whereof she speaks when it comes to great songs, expressed all her love for Hardy when she said “Jack wrote some of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.” And who can doubt Lucinda! “Southern Comfort” was recorded in Cosenza – deep South of Italy, in 1988 – a place that Jack would call “a slice of Paradise”, hence the title. Superb accompaniment by Todd Scheaffer on guitar and Brady Rymer on bass (both on backing vocals too) plus Jack himself in a state of grace, make this performance one of the absolute best of his 40 years of touring. Such is the energy, the conviction and the almost trascendental artistic gesture. One of the closest friends of Jack Hardy has labelled this performance as a compulsory listen. So be it! 1. Night On The Town 2. The Crows 3. Blackberry Pie 4. The Hunter 5. The Tailor 6. Porto Limon 7. White Shoes 8. May Day 9. Potter's Field 10. The Coyote 11. Houston Street 12. The Three Sisters 13. Gretna Green 14. Marlene 15. The Vicious Cycle 16. No Future
Winter Is For Lovers was a lifetime in the making... a solo lap-steel guitar piece incorporating elements of delta blues, flamenco, and even Satie-like minimalism, this work resonates with lyrical virtuosity, originality and soul. In some ways Winter Is For Lovers is a love letter to Ben Harper’s longtime fans who have always revered his guitar virtuosity; it’s the record they always wanted him to make. For many other music lovers, this record is a revelation, an unknown side to a a celebrated artist showing a sense of meticulousness, depth and music history that will add new dimensions to an already renowned career.
As a child, before Ben Harper was even playing music, he sat at the feet of folk luminaries like Rev Gary Davis, John Fahey, Ry Cooder and others in his grandparents Folk Music Center in Claremont, CA, soaking up their influence and passion for pure guitar music. As a teenager, while discovering his own musical gifts, he was repairing guitars and being mentored by many of these artists, most notably, Taj Mahal. While his musical path has taken him to worldwide fame playing rock and roll, and many other idioms, that pure guitar music has always been central to his musical heart.
Ultimately, Winter Is For Lovers is a very personal statement from Ben Harper, drawing from the bountiful garden of his earliest musical impressions and propelling him into the future with an elegiac masterpiece.
For fans of: Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal, John Fahey, and Robert Johnson