Ben Harper with Charlie Musselwhite – ëƵGet Up!ëƵ
A young Ben Harper discovered the talents of blues legend Charlie Musselwhite while working at his familyëƵs music store in southern California. The pair would ultimately meet during a collaboration on John Lee HookerëƵs ëƵThe Best of FriendsëƵ nearly 15 years ago. In 2004, Harper appeared on MusselwhiteëƵs Grammy-nominated album ëƵSanctuary.ëƵ
The 43-year-old Harper and 69-year-old Musselwhite offer up a melding of their noteworthy talents and styles to produce a spirited collection of original blues arrangements with a distinct Chicago blues sound. HarperëƵs 12th album is a true labor of love as Harper produces, writes and sings every song on the 10-track set.
ëƵDonëƵt Look TwiceëƵ opens with the rootsy flavor of traditional Delta blues with HarperëƵs soulful vocals and MusselwhiteëƵs searing harmonica. ëƵIëƵm In, IëƵm Out, IëƵm GoneëƵ is a pounding, raw and gritty track that smolders under the dark and menacing vocals of Harper, taking me back to glimpses of Jim Morrison and the Doors on classics like ëƵLove Me Two TimesëƵ and ëƵRoadhouse Blues.ëƵ
The old-time gospel and blues texture of ëƵWe CanëƵt End This WayëƵ is pure heavenly delight as Harper channels the Blind Boys of Alabama for a stripped-down but potent clap-your-hands revival number. Harper and Musselwhite kick it into high gear on the defiant ëƵI DonëƵt Believe a Word You Say.ëƵ The frenzied fusing of harmonica and electric guitar evokes memories of early Led Zeppelin as Harper muscles up a rocking vocal delivery mindful of Doug Pinnick of KingëƵs X.
ëƵBlood Side OutëƵ is a rambling anthem that is fueled once again by HarperëƵs commanding voice, this time charged with the charisma and calm and collected coolness of Lenny Kravitz.
The solemn closer, ëƵAll That Matters Now,ëƵ reminds us that while a great blues tune contains trials, heartbreak and loss, perseverance ultimately triumphs for the patient. Halfway through the album, it is clearly evident that these two artists were made to perform the blues.
ëƵGet Up!ëƵ is an instant classic and a must-have for any blues lover.

