Mississippi BarBQ CD Review - Peter Merrett PBS 106.7

ZAC HARMON - "Mississippi BarBQ"
Label: Catfood Records

Zac Harmon: Vocals and Lead Guitar on all tracks

The Rays: Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9
 Bob Trenchard: Bass
 Richy Puga: Drums
Johnny McGhee: Guitar
Dan Ferguson: Keyboards
Mike Middleton: Trumpet
Andy Roman: Alto Sax
Nick Flood: Tenor and Baritone Sax
Drake Dominigue: Trombone and Tuba

Zac Harmon Band: Tracks 6, 7, 10 and 11
Corey Carmichael: Keyboards (additional keys on tracks 4 and 9)
Chris Gipson: Bass
Texas Slim: Rhythm Guitar solo Track 8

Janelle Thompson, Shakara Weston, Sueann Carwell and Corey Carmichael: Background Vocals

Special Guests
Munyungo Jackson: Percussion tracks 4, 7, 9 and 10
Bob Corritore: Harmonica Track 6 

*** Track 1. - "Gypsy Road" Written by Trey Hardin, Rick Hall and Sandy Carroll. 

Kicking off track one Harmon is joined by The Rays as his band. Twangy crunching guitar that is resplendent with soaring exquisite runs that soar effortlessly throughout the mix. Ferguson adds to the mix a very full bodied sound that is luxurious on keyboards that are very desirable. The Rays certainly have a formidable rhythm section with drummer Puga and bassist Trenchard. The second guitar is very much on the mark and fits well with the mix courtesy of McGhee. Harmon's voice is perfectly modulated throughout the mid tempo Blues and is the perfect showcase of his prodigious skills as a singer, guitarist and songwriter. Stunning intro to this much anticipated new release. 

  *** Track 2. - "So Cold" Written by William Harmon and Bob Trenchard. 

Full bodied glorious sound from The Rays has Harmon's voice sitting perfectly into a bed of musical genius. The sound is complete and leaves nothing to be desired such is the sound. Harmon again provides wonderfully modulated vocals that convey the lyrics sublimely on another of his songs composed withy Trenchard. The guitar work from Harmon and McGhee is certainly a stand out as both lay down some amazing riffs and in particular Harmon's lead guitar. Stunning tonality. In keeping with the sound of The Rays, Ferguson provides the big bold keyboard sound that permeates throughout this one and is simply stunning. The rhythm section of Puga and Trenchard get onto the most perfect of grooves and deliver the perfect cadence. Adding to this big sound the brass section of The Rays step up and absolutely cook courtesy of Middleton, Roman, Flood and Dominique. Big bold but at the same time a sophisticated Blues sound and a wonderful ballad.  

*** Track 3. - "Smoke And Mirrors" Written by William Harmon and Bob Trenchard. 

Pulsing guitar from Harmon sets this one in motion and what an intro it is. Again The Rays put in place a very big sound that continues to pulse throughout. Adding to Harmon's incredible vocals backing singers Thompson, Weston, Carwell and Carmichael have been introduced to the mix and what a stroke of genius in doing so as they add a different dimension to the song. Again as l suppose we have come to expect with maestro guitarist Zac Harmon the playing is absolutely breathtaking as is the additional guitar of McGhee. Ferguson's keyboards have a catchy funky tonality that is just so engaging. Rounding out this big sound is the rock solid rhythm section of Puga and Trenchard. This certainly is one quality Blues that just delivers on all levels.    

*** Track 4. - "Mississippi BarBQ" Written by William Harmon and Bob Trenchard. 

The title track is this dreamy ode to Mississippi and doing just what comes natural in Mississippi. There is nothing quite like a good BarBQ with good friends and family. Here Harmon is laid back and relaxed with a soulful sound that just makes you feel so very good. A very, very soulful track that beautifully has Thompson, Weston, Carwell and Carmichael's angelic backing vocals drifting throughout the mix. Man l am so in the mood for some BarBQ right now! Again The Rays are just so cool in their approach to the song and the charts are sublime. Ferguson's keyboards are mesmerizing as he floats effortlessly through the mix. Rhythm section alumni Puga and Trenchard get onto the most righteous of grooves and just carry the cadence effortlessly. Guest Munyungo Jackson sits in with the wonderful percussion work. Once again Harmon's guitar is perfectly played and is quite subtle at that rather than being overly exuberant. McGhee also provides the subtle guitar to the mix. What a glorious track it is and the most perfect of songs to represent Mississippi. Maybe here is the new state anthem? Either way Harmon and Trenchard have composed one stunning soulful Blues with this one.  

*** Track 5. - "Desperate Love" Written by William Harmon and Bob Trenchard. 

Big brass intro from The Rays certainly leave you in no doubt as to the tenacity of this song. Leading in with the brass from Middleton, Roman, Flood and Dominigue Harmon's guitar has a real bite about it. One thing l notice here with Harmon's vocals that isn't in the previous tracks is that there is a tantalizing frailty to them that is very engaging. The Rays certainly cook on this one. The rhythm section of Puga and Trenchard drive hard with a noticeable masculinity in their playing. McGhee provides the wonderful counter point guitar and combined with Harmon certainly are right on the mark. Thompson, Weston, Carwell and Carmichael again provide the stunning backing vocals that just elevate the sound enormously. This is another big potent Blues ballad from Harmon, The Rays and his guests.   

*** Track 6. - "Honey Pleez" Written by William Harmon. 

On this one we have The Zac Harmon Band and they certainly get it on and rollin' on down the line. Driving beat that has Harmon in his element vocally and with that distinctive Texas Roadhouse groove this one has it all going on. Corey Carmichael gets the joint a jumpin' with some mighty fine piano work and man he gives those 88's a hard time. Harmon's guitar is sharp and he drives it hard also. Rhythm section alumni Gipson and Forrest certainly know how to lay down the most perfect of beats and cadence as this one clearly shows. Special guest is the instantly recognizable harp master Bob Corritore and he certainly leaves an indelible mark on this one. A big sound that just keeps on drivin' along like a Texas Cannonball. This is definitely Harmon in his element and man we're glad about that.  

*** Track 7. - "Make A Dollar Out Of Fifteen Cents" Written by William Harmon and John Hahn. 

Continuing with The Zac Harmon Band on this one the sound has a very distinctive shift in sound. Catchy keyboard runs from Carmichael along with stunning percussion from Jackson combine to electrify this sound. Rhythm section members Gipson and Forrest sit in on a perfect groove throughout. Harmon's guitar is sharp and precise as he lays down some amazing runs and solos but the little vocal/guitar interplay certainly is an eye opener. What a wonderful revelation of a song this is and very inventive, great Blues that is trend setting rather than trend following. Harmon and Hahn certainly have written one incredible track with this one.  

*** Track 8. - "Sunday Morning After Saturday Night" Written by William Harmon and Bob Trenchard. 

Straight from a L.A supper club here we have headlining tonight for one night only ladies and gentlemen Zac Harmon And The Rays. Wonderful big production number that is indeed reminiscent of an L.A supper club resplendent with the group on stage with a room full of sharp dressed patrons and noisy waiters. Harmon absolutely rips this one to shreds on guitar and his prodigious talents shine brightly like the billboard on the clubs street side awning. Vocally he swings it out matching the band effortlessly. Trenchard's bass is particularly front of the mix and is just where it should be as he powers this one along keeping the cadence swinging like a hep cat of old. Straight from the forties song book this original has every element of the swinging sound correct. Puga keeps his half of the rhythm section solid and in the pocket perfectly. The keyboards from Ferguson take on a Wurlitzer tone in keeping with the period of the song tantalizingly. Special guest on rhythm guitar Texas Slim lays down the slickest of guitar solos as he jousts with Harmon and McGhee's guitars. Super slick as a tuxedo and wingtip shoes this one exudes class and sophistication.  

*** Track 9. - "Lord Save Me From LA." Written by Bob Trenchard and Linda Greenwade. 

Harmon uses his incredible guitar to introduce this one that is a travelogue of traveling to L.A and all that it holds instore for him. Too fast, too busy, too crowed and too fake for his liking. Pleading and somewhat pained vocals from Harmon on this one where he is again out front of The Rays. Noticeably gruntier rhythm section from Trenchard and Puga certainly drive this one with real conviction. Adding to that rhythm section is percussion maestro and guest Jackson.  Ferguson's keyboards are crisp and have a potency about them for good measure. McGhee once again provides the stunning second guitar. The wonderful omni-present backing vocals from Thompson, Weston, Carwell and Carmichael add a soulful element to the sound. Somewhat different to other tracks this one is another very solid Blues offering.  

*** Track 10. - "Since You Been Gone" Written by William Harmon. 

Harmon returns to his Zac Harmon band on this one and the stripped back sound is tangible. There is an intrinsic soulful element to this one that is certainly mesmerizing. Harmon's vocals are sublime as is his guitar playing that suddenly launches into wondrous complex riffs. Throughout Carmichael's keyboards are astounding and breathtaking. In keeping with the strength of this song which has a real power about it the rhythm section of Gipson and Forrest shine along with guest percussionist Jackson. Another catchy and tantalizing addition to the sound is the backing singing of Thompson, Weston, Carwell and Carmichael who provide an ethereal quality to the mix.  

*** Track 11. - "Knocking On Heaven's Door" Written by Bob Dylan. 

When one looks at the greatest of contemporary song writers in American history for the last 100 years Bob Dylan must be near the top of that list or even on top. I will leave that to more learned people to argue over. So to choose one of his songs for a stunning songwriter himself Harmon has put it all on the line by choosing one of Dylan's epics. Here Harmon is wearing his heart squarely on his sleeve with the most impassioned of vocal offerings he can produce. The Zac Harmon Band are equally up to the task as this develops into a masterclass of how to perform a Bob Dylan song. Harmon's guitar is simply sublime and completely mesmerizing as he takes us places few guitarists have before with this performance. You like me will need to pause and draw breath such is the impact of his playing. From the band one can only marvel at what they have given us here what with the incredible keyboards from Carmichael, plus the awe inspiring rhythm section of Gipson and Forrest. With a song such as this you require a celestial choir and Harmon certainly has the best with Thompson, Weston, Carwell and Carmichael. This one will lift you from the deepest of despair to the heavens on gossamer wings. Breathtakingly sublime, one can only marvel at the sheer beauty and intensity of this recording. I think Robert Zimmerman on hearing this would be pondering why he didn't record his song this way. If you are going to cover the best then you had better make sure you do it the best just like Zac Harmon And The Zac Harmon Band.  

I have to say when l saw that Zac Harmon was releasing a new album "Mississippi BarBQ" l was extremely excited. Then l received my copy and found myself somewhat intrigued as to how it was going to sound with the combination of The Rays on seven tracks and The Zac Harmon Band on the remaining four tracks. Both bands in themselves are different and as such give a very different feel to Harmon's work. This is not a bad thing but rather a perplexing mystery that would reveal all the moment l pressed play! I don't think l had any preconceived ideas but rather an open mind and man l was rewarded time and time again with each track. By having the two different bands the light and shade of the mix and the obvious style changes were deliciously tangible. It quickly became evident which band played on which track but it was the beautiful inter action of the two bands that added so much flavour to the album. Also another element l noticed with the different bands was Harmon's vocals that morphed in style from band to band and that added a glorious element to the overall sound. What it did do was not create a sameness on the eleven songs, each was stunningly individual. Throughout all of the tracks Harmon displayed his immense talents and virtuosity as a guitarist but also as a songwriter or co-writer. Even to tackle a great song such as Bob Dylan's "Knocking On Heaven's Door" show a maturity and confidence in himself and the band. The results are an instant masterpiece. With all of this being said Harmon didn't do any of this alone but rather with two incredible bands plus amazing guests. The Rays are Bob Trenchard bass, Richy Puga drums, Johnny McGhee guitar, Mike Middleton trumpet, Andy Roman alto sax, Nick Flood tenor and baritone sax and Drake Dominigue trombone and tuba. An exceptional band by any measure. Then we have The Zac Harmon Band with Corey Carmichael keyboards, Chris Gipson bass and Ralph Forrest drums. Again another exceptional band by any measure. Throughout the album there was the presence of amazing backing singers and they are Janelle Thompson, Shakara Weston, Sueann Carwell and Corey Carmichael whose angelic tones added an indelible mark on this album. Other guests and equally important are Munyungo  Jackson percussion, Bob Corritore harmonica and Texas Slim rhythm guitar. There is a complexity, a boldness, a brashness, a gentleness, a loudness, breathtaking moments , jaw dropping side to "Mississippi BarBQ" that you will instantly be drawn to as it is just so addictive and will have you wanting more and more. So much so you will be pressing replay over and over again.

Do l like this album? Simple answer to that is "hell yeah l do"! Do l think you will love it? "Hell yeah I do"! Don't hesitate in getting your copy as this is the album you need in your collection right now. Any delay will have you unable to sleep at night until you do.