The last performance of the Music at the Cannery series on Aug. 29 in Steveston will feature one of Canada’s most prominent blues musicians, Harpdog Brown.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta but currently based out of Vancouver, Brown or “Dog” as he’s called by band mates and fans alike, elicits a rough-around-the-edges persona and his music, much like his style, is nothing short of entertaining.
Labelled a “gifted singer and imaginative harmonica player of note” in his official bio, Brown doesn’t say much regarding how he came to be, other than his 35-year career was ignited by a James Cotton performance he witnessed in 1979 at the University of Alberta when he was just 17-years-old.
“The thing about the harmonica is that it’s an amazing craft . . . and difficult to express, like a voice.”
Harping away on a harmonica usually results in a piece of music that is an inherent mix between some standard harmonic sound and the unique style incorporated by an individual musician and their style.
The track In My Younger Days, available on Brown’s latest album, What It Is, is a clear example of the harmonica adding a distinct flavour. There’s no words or other dominant sound than the harmonica played in the foreground, and even still the tune is carried with just the silky notes of the rectangular wind instrument.
The tiny harmonica, Brown says, adds enormous depth and range that is important in most music, especially the blues.
“What It Is” is the artist’s seventh album to hit shelves. Released this past March, it received critical acclaim. Even on iTunes you can see customer reviews citing the album as a must-have and the music, true blues (with a capital “B”, according to one listener).
The album includes 14 tracks, 10 originals and four classic covers, featuring music by Brown and his band (The Harpdog Brown Band). The group consists of drums player John R. Hunter, guitarist Jordan Edmonds and bass player George Fenn.
The newest member is the 29-year-old Edmonds and Brown is not wary to heave considerable praise on the young musician.
“He’s the only guitar player in the land that I care to play with,” Brown states with unequivocal verve. “And that’s all there really is to say about that.”
Brown and Edmonds commonly feature as two-man duo and will be the act performing Friday night. Show starts at 6:30 p.m; arrive early for best seats.
