Ben Harper
NewMusicForOldFolks says …
Whether it's with the Innocent Criminals, The Relentless7, Charlie Musselwhite or even his mother, Ben Harper puts out thoughtful, soulful music. Remembered best for "Steal My Kisses," Harper has continued to play and grow as an artist. His newest effort is Childhood Home an album of songs performed with his mother, Ellen. It's a little slower and more sedate most of his other albums, but you probably shouldn't do a duet of "Burn One Down" with your mother. Get Up! with Musselwhite is excellent and a good buy for fans of both artists.
Artist's Info
Website: benharper.com
See him live: Tour dates
Record company: Virgin Records
Genre: Roots, Jam
If you like this, look into: John Butler Trio, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Charlie Musselwhite
Bio (From Allmusic.com)
Combining funky, groove-laden soul with handcrafted acoustic folk-rock, Ben Harper enjoyed cult status during the course of the '90s before gaining wider attention toward the decade's end. As a young artist, he drew his influences from classic singer/songwriters, blues revivalists, guitar slingers, and jam bands like Blues Traveler and Phish, which meant he was embraced by critics and college kids alike. Despite finding commercial success with the radio single "Steal My Kisses" in 2000, Harper continued to explore different (and often challenging) musical textures during the 21st century, enjoying a solid fan base at home and a considerable amount of fame in Europe, where was named 2003's Artist of the Year by the French branch of Rolling Stone. (more)
Spotify sampler
Recordings
Most Recent
CHILDHOOD HOME (2014): Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/musician Ben Harper and his mother Ellen have collaborated to create an absorbing, deeply personal collection of original songs. Childhood Home features 10 songs, six written by Ben and four written by Ellen, that explore the intricacies of family life with honesty and generous intimacy.
CALL IT WHAT IT IS (2016): Call It What It Is, the long awaited album that reunites Ben Harper with The Innocent Criminals, is the first recorded album by the band in 9 years. The 11 track album is an incisive, bold, poetic statement that could only come from these long-time musical partners, one of popular music's most essential, cohesive and dynamic ensembles. The standout title track showcases Harper's unmatched ability to blend the personal and political. The genre-spanning collection contains many highlights including the sun-kissed groove of 'Shine' and the album's swaggering lead track 'When Sex Was Dirty.' Call It What It Is is kinetic and emotional, flowing with spark, depth, passion and growth that Ben Harper core fans love the world over.
Others
Welcome to the Cruel World (1994)
Fight for Your Mind (1995)
The Will to Live (1997)
Burn to Shine (1999)
Diamonds on the Inside (2003)
There Will Be a Light (2004)
Both Sides of the Gun (2006)
Lifeline (2007)
White Lies for Dark Times (2009)
Give Till It's Gone (2011)
Get Up! with Charlie Musselwhite (2013)
