The Australian artist has performed with the super rock band Journey. He will play at Auburn’s blues club.
AUBURN – Blues fans who missed a chance to see one of Australia’s finest artists perform here in August will get a second chance. Harmonica master Harper will return to the Midnight Blues Club and Restaurant Sunday, Oct. 30, as part of the 2005 Sunday Night Blues Series. The talented bluesman from Down Under is touring in support of his debut recording on the Blind Pig label, “Down To The Rhythm,” released earlier this year.
Since his performance here last summer, Harper has been on stage with Journey, one of America’s most popular and successful rock bands. The unlikely pairing of an Australian harmonica player and a rock super group resulted from a chance encounter in 2004 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Journey band members had the night off between shows and decided to venture out to a local club, Blues on Grand, to hear some blues. Harper and his band happened to be performing there that night. Journey band members really liked what they heard and saw. Bass player Ross Vallory purchased all of Harper’s CDs and mentioned that he would love to get Harper to perform with his group.
Vallory made good on his expressed interest in Harper by contacting him and inviting him to perform a few songs with Journey at selected shows. “It was an incredible opportunity to play with these American rock legends,” said Harper. “They’re all great guys, and the shows went off without a hitch.” More appearances may be added in the future as their respective schedules allow.
Peter Harper, now known simply as Harper, was born Nov. 10, 1968, in Guildford Surrey, England. While attending grade school in the 1970s, he played the trumpet and euphonium in the brass concert band. He began playing the harmonica at age 11, learning how to manipulate the sounds for certain effects. While digging through his grandfather’s record collection, he found inspiration in the sounds of Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
In 1979, his family moved to Perth, Australia, as his father sought a better lifestyle. For the next 14 years, Harper played local clubs until he landed his first record contract. He and his band Blue Devil released their debut album, “Tears Of Ice” in 1994, on the Newmarket label.
The band recorded its second album in 1996, “Yesterday Is Over” on Shock Records. It was his last recording with Blue Devil, as the time had come to develop his own sound.
One reason for Harper’s distinctive and unique take on blues music is his use of the didgeridoo, a popular instrument in Australia. Made from a hollowed out piece of cypress wood, the tube produces a mesmerizing drone when blown through, adding a wonderful world-beat sound to his songs. Yet it takes nothing away from his amazing talent on the harmonica.
The Midnight Blues Club and Restaurant is located at 34 Court St. Tickets: $15.
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