Zac Harmon - Reviews Long As I Got My Guitar

“After a year of picking up my guitar and then putting it down,” says Harmon, “I finally realize that as long as I got my guitar, all is good with my soul.” -Zac Harmon

Long As I Got My Guitar #3 for the Year 2021 - Soul Blues Album Chart

SoundGarden (Croatia)
by Mladen Lončar - Mike
October 2021

Although it's only been ten days since the release of the great Zac Harmon's Long As I Got My Guitar, I admit I'm sorry I haven't been able to include it before, but I believe Catfood Records and Blind Raccoon won't be too angry. Simply, things have settled down like this and this great album is right in front of all of us.

The new studio album, by acclaimed, renowned and award-winning Texas blues singer / guitarist Zac Harmon, was produced by Grammy winner Jim Gaines (Santana, Steve Ray Vaughan and Journey) and all recorded at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas.

Long As I Got My Guitar features ten songs performed in Harmon’s inimitable funky, soul-blues sound and great atmosphere, all with Harmon’s dominant guitar and vocals. Alongside him, on most songs we hear The Rays, which consists of: Bob Trenchard (bass), Richy Puga (drums), Johnny McGhee (guitar), Dan Ferguson (keyboards); with SueAnn Carwell and Corey Lacey on Back vocals.

Catfood Records released Zac’s 2019 debut album Mississippi Bar BQ, which was also produced by Jim Gaines and met with great reviews and was well received by both fans of Zac’s music and official reviews. This album is a strong collection of songs that, in fact, tell a story that in its original meaning means that this music, that the blues is very stable, lively and absolutely real. There is no fiction here, there is no mumbling, there is singing about a life that is real, difficult, ruthless and deeply personal. It is this personality that means a lot. The story has its two ends, it’s just a question that you personally are on. Of course, you can't influence this fact in the beginning, you only do it much later. And I have a very clear and direct experience in my small and ordinary life. Everything I dreamed of as a kid,

Zac Harmon is just one of the musicians who have become, and have been a part of my life story for many years.

On the other hand, Zac Harmon is called "master of the blues", his blues combines the best that comes from the sophistication of Bobby "Blue" Bland that combines with the impressive sounds of Freddie King's guitar and, therefore, without any hesitation you can mention Zac Harmon in the same context with the already mentioned Bobby “Blue” Bland, Albert King and Bobby Rush, of course, these are just a few.

Zac Harmon sums up his recent experiences (and gives the title of a new album) with the following statement: “After a year of picking up my guitar and then putting it down, I finally realize that as long as I got my guitar, all is good with my soul.”

The album features flashy soulful vocals, incredible artistry in guitar playing, a solid and definite "sound" that further outlines each song separately, and of course, there are the fantastic aforementioned backing musicians. All in all, this is a winning formula and, of course, the result could not be missed, quite the opposite!

There is no doubt that, from there until 2003 until today, Zac Harmon has become a leader, a torchbearer for “the next generation of blues musicians, but also of the music style itself.” Believe me, this is by no means irrelevant, because Zac and his associated musicians perform their music. with a lot of energy, with a strong sense of blues presentation. The compositions intertwine the sensitive and strong vocals of Zac Harmon with a pulsating instrumental background. Therefore, in the future this winning combination or formula must not be neglected, in fact!

Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, Zac performed as a teenager with blues artists such as ZZ Hill, Sam Myers and Dorothy Moore and it took place before moving to LA, where he actually devoted himself to a career as a studio musician, composer and producer. Today, Zac lives in Dallas and has been living and working as a solo artist for several years with large and well-attended international tours in Europe, Africa, Iraq, and has even performed at the “Great Pyramids”. Zac Harmon has been named one of the ten artists that “Blues Revue” presents as the future of blues. And of course, that's how I experience him, follow him and with great joy I welcome and process each of his new albums.

RECOMMENDATION

For this musician, the late Lucky Peterson said: 'Zac Harmon is pure blues power that hits ya in your soul.'

The fact is that from song to song Zac and the band change styles, mood, rhythm so that we are not bored at any moment. In fact, 40 minutes fly by in an instant and when it comes to the end, we simply go from scratch.

After all, I think that the whole story about Zac Harmon will heat up even more, and considering that the album Long As I Got My Guitar carries a strong positive charge, there is inevitably the optimism that everyone needs so much.

In the end, Zac and company don't have to worry about their future, with albums like this they will open every door. And so ... don't hesitate to buy this album. Zac Harmon will entertain you pleasantly, fill your free evening or you will spend the album Long As I Got My Guitar with pleasantly filled days. And so, once again enjoy without fear! Personally, I’ve been doing this for weeks now.

Jazz and Blues Report
Ron Weinstock
December 2021

It has been fifteen-plus years when I first had the opportunity to meet and hear Zac Harmon on the 2005 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. Harmon, the winner of the 2004 International Blues Challenge, is one of the blues’ most expressive, soulful vocalists as well as a masterful guitarist, top-flight songwriter, and impressive showman. Jim Gaines produced Harmon’s latest album. Bassist Bob Trenchard leads the Rays in backing Harmon on most of this album. Harmon’s band plays on one of the ten tracks. Harmon and Trenchard collaborated on most of the songs with a couple from Sandy Carroll’s pen.

Harmon brings together straight guitar blues in the vein of Albert, Freddie, and B.B. King with a strong soul sensibility. After all, he first played with Sam Myers when he was 16, toured with soul-blues artists such as Dorothy Moore and Z.Z. Hill and was a studio musician and songwriter in Los Angeles for a number of years. His personal musical approach is evident, starting with the opening “Deal With the Devil” and the slow, brooding blues “People Are Talking.” He brings a deep soul vocal approach and highly charged guitar to these songs with intriguing melodic lines and lyrics that he performs so heartfully.

A favorite track is “Crying Shame,” a swamp pop flavored number with Dan Ferguson’s zydeco accordion adding atmosphere. One might expect Harmon’s take on Sandy Carroll’s “Soul Land” to be popular among beach music aficionados along the Southeast Atlantic coast. Another bluesy soul performance is the soft, slow dance ballad, “Love For You Baby,” the song performed with Harmon’s band. The title track is about how Harmon could lose almost anything he possessed yet still be a star as long as he has his guitar. His playing, somewhat evocative of Albert King here, is fiery and focused. Also memorable is his trenchant topical blues, “Waiting To Be Free.” “Imagine a Prayer” is a pop-flavored song with a hope for a world of peace and perfect love.

A first-rate gospel blues “Ashes To The Wind,” with keyboardists Dan Ferguson and Corey Lacy (of Harmon’s Band) helping take the listener to church behind Harmon’s plea that we remember all the good he has done as he won’t pass this way again. It closes another top-notch Zac Harmon recording which will be of no surprise for those who have been following Harmon for years. For those unfamiliar with Harmon, this album is as good as any for an introduction to his body of memorable blues recordings.

SFL Music Magazine
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
December 2021

As is known, when Zac Harmon jumped into the blues pool back in 2005, he didn’t just make a splash – he created a tsunami. His debut release – “The Blues According To Zacariah” – not only won “Best New Artist” in the XM Radio Awards, but the release also brought home the gold in the “Best New Artist Debut” category at the 2006 Blues Music Awards. With that said, it was well before all that when he blew the Blewzzman away. That happened on May 1, 2004, at the Beale Street Music Festival during the Memphis In May festivities. As the 2:00 PM opening act in the Blues Tent, with a lineup that also featured; Delta Moon; Robert “Wolfman” Belfour; Renee Austin; Ellis Hooks; Eric Sardinas; and Bernard Alison; Zac Harmon & Mid South Blues Review put on a powerfully energetic and incredibly entertaining performance that I actually believe may have stole the show. As the set ended, I’ll never forget the tribute he paid to his then right hand man – harmonica player Jeff Stone. After the last song, Zac walked over to Jeff and putt his arm around him as he told the crowd “This man is to me what Junior Wells was to Buddy Guy.” What a classy compliment from and to a real class act. From that day, until this day, I’m still a big fan of these fine artists and gentlemen.

That was a seventeen years, hundreds of shows, and a lot of albums ago. Now, Zac is back with what I believe is his ninth release – the one he says “Is probably the most memorable record of my career” – “Long As I Got My Guitar”. Eight of the disc’s ten tracks are originals with seven being penned by Zac and label owner, executive producer, and bassist, Bob Trenchard; and one written by Zac and Corey Lacey.

On nine of those tracks, Zac Harmon – on lead guitar and vocals – is joined by Bob Trenchard on bass; Richy Puga on drums: Jimmy McGhee on guitar; and Dan Ferguson on keyboards. Collectively, they are known as The Rays. Appearing on the other track are Zac’s touring band: Chris Gipson on bass; Jamil Byron on drums; and Corey Lacey (on other tracks as well) on keyboards and background vocals. Other performers include SueAnn Carwell on background vocals and Munyungo Jackson on percussion.

Just hearing the name of the opening track kind of lets you know there isn’t much explaining to do here. The song is called “Deal With The Devil” and anyone who knows anything about blues folklore knows how that turned out. Musically, it’s a rhythm fueled blues rocker with Bob, Richy and Munyungo in a progressive groove on the percussion and Zac – who while flirting with a falsetto vocal style- nails a handful of stinging guitar licks. Nice opener.

Simply because of it is old school fifties style R&B type presentation, “Crying Shame” is surely one of my personal favorites. Everything about this toe tapping, head bobbing song just reeks of smoothness. Had I been seeing this one done live, I’d be stretching my neck looking all around the stage for the accordion player. Since none was credited, I’m just going to assume that Dan is baffling me with some masterful organ work.

Before I get to the real title of this one, its alias could very well be “The Axman’s Anthem”, and here’s why…..
“I had to pawn my watch, I had to pawn my ring;
I don’t care what time it is, it don’t mean a thing……..
“I lost all my money, there went all my friends;
They didn’t care for me, it was all just pretend………..
“They cut off my cable, and repossessed my car;
Knocked on my door, I can’t take it no more………
“But I’m still a star, ‘”Long As I Got My Guitar'”.
Now that you know some of the title song’s lyrics, it’s the song’s guitar work you really need to hear. After all, Zac still has his guitar and is still indeed a star.
“New Year’s Day” – it’s not just the song’s title but it’s a day that most of the world thinks will suddenly and magically change everything. Break it to them gently, Zac:
“It’s New Year’s Day and nothing’s changed;
everything remains the same.
I got no plans, I got no solution;
I got no New Year’s resolutions.”

And there you have it.
On the other hand, the song does make some cool musical changes: with Zac’s scorching guitar intro – and several times throughout the song as well – it’s got a strong traditional blues vibe; the soulful lead and backing vocals give it a definite soul blues vibe; and with the rhythm and percussion groove the rest of the band have going on you’ll surely feel the funk.
The disc closes out with a ballad on which Zac pretty much lays out his own epitaph. Wanting to be remembered for his good deeds more than his sins, since he won’t be passing this way again he’s requesting to scatter his “Ashes To The Wind”. From Zac’s somberly sung opening lines; to his mid song spoken words; to the songs powerful crescendo; and the addition of SueAnn’s heavenly sounding background voice, as well; this one is all about the vocals.

Other tracks on “Long As I Got My Guitar” include: “People Been Talking”; “Soul Land” (Sandy Carroll); “Love For You Baby”; “Waiting To Be Free” and “Imagine A Prayer” (Sandy Carroll & the album’s producer, Jim Gaines).

To find out more about Zac Harmon, just go to – www.zacharmon.com – and should you have not yet received your copy of “Long As I Got My Guitar” for airplay, please contact Betsie Brown at www.blindraccoon.com. Remember, wherever you go and whoever you contact, please let them know The Blewzzman sent you.

Blues In The South UK
Brian Harman
January 2022

As with many others in the world, during this pandemic Jackson Mississippi born Zac lost his mum, Floreada Harmon in May of this year and has dedicated this album to her memory. It is noticeable that the customary underlying warm and soothing, smooth Southern country soul feel, usually found in Zac’s vocals, are here tinged with a discernible sadness; which gives the numbers a greater intimacy and resonance. The album was recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in, Tornillo, Texas. Zac takes lead guitar and vocals with the studio band ‘The Rays’, who back Zac on 9 of the 10 numbers here; They are led by studio owner Bob Trenchard who plays bass with Richy Puga on drums, Johnny McGhee; guitar and Dan Ferguson; keyboards.

Zac Harmon is a true embodiment of the music that emanated from the city’s historic Farish Street district, home of blues legend Elmore James also, his time spent backing artists such as; Z.Z. Hill, Dorothy Moore and Sam Myers has certainly not been wasted, for here his skillful musical eloquence is deftly displayed on the opener ‘Deal With The Devil’, the sweetly ringing, mellow jazz rich signature picking from Zac meshes seamlessly with his calmly understated vocal. The slow trenchant alluring percussion of ‘People Been Talking’, a tale of rumours and infidelity, splendidly entwines with a richly stark, low-key guitar that is underpinned by a slowly scorching keyboard. On ‘Love For You Baby’, Zac is joined by his touring band who are; Corey Lacy; keyboards, Chris Gipson, bass and Jamil Byron, drums. Together, they create a wonderfully nostalgic dreamily sensuous late 70’s smoocher, complete with an enticing girly chorus and tinkling bells. The spine tingling and thought provoking ‘Ashes To The Wind’, is a melancholic, slow burning piano and smoldering keyboard ballad that has a dour Zac requesting where his ashes should be scattered at his end. ‘Waiting To Be Free’, is a rock solid, burning blues, asking the possibly pointless questions of promises made in the 19th century again in the 21st, of fairness, honesty and especially emancipation. ‘Soul Land’, is an unashamed comforting memory of the past, which included family, love, safety and security. Self-delusion is one thing but, when you can play the guitar anywhere near as good as Zac then ‘Long As I Got My Guitar’, is more of a statement of fact, for this attractive, withering and starkly played modern blues tale is nothing less than tasteful and endearing.

Seriously recommended!

Working Mojo
Steven Ovadia
January 2022

Zac Harmon's Warm Vocals Are a Treat

When an album has the word guitar in its title, you tend to assume it's going to be fairly guitar heavy. Zac Harmon is a soulful guitarist, but his voice is the real treat, giving songs a certain ease without taking away any of their emotional impact.

Harmon came up through LA session work before deciding to back himself in 2003. Long As I Got My Guitar is bluesy, but with generous dollops of funk and soul that give the album a complexity. Which makes the warmth of his vocals appreciated. His music pushes, while keeping the tracks listenable and mid-tempo. But his voice comforts. It's a perfect match.

There are also some nice surprises. "Crying Shame," a 50s-influenced tune, features accordion. The accordion isn't manic zydeco, but rather an interesting, Cajun texture. His voice is sad but not despondent. He's not wallowing in hopelessness, so much as he's connecting the listener to a sadness he's processed. And the titular guitar, or at least the solo, doesn't come in until around halfway through the song. It's tasteful, thoughtful, and as emotive as his voice, a songwriting tool as much as it's a chance for Harmon to show off a bit.

The title track goes a long way toward explaining the album. While it can initially reads as a boastful statement, the song is really about someone losing everything, but not lamenting it, since they have their guitar. That sentiment radiates through the album. Harmon never tries to kill you with his playing, but at the same time his guitar work is special. Here, when he transitions, ever-too-briefly, into B.B. King's version of "The Thrill is Gone," it not only works for the song, but it's a sweet tribute to one of his influences.

Harmon even elevates the less sophisticated songs. "Imagine a Prayer," written by album producer Jim Gaines and Sandy Carroll, is a sweet-enough song that's also straight-forward with lyrics like: "Imagine a world where we're all one." It features 1980s keyboards that wouldn't be out of place on a David Lee Roth-era Van Halen album. The vocal melody is relentlessly optimistic, matching up with the lyrics. The song should feel cheesy, but Harmon successfully sells it, making it come off as charmingly optimistic more than anything.

Harmon floats between styles. There's a strong, bluesy undercurrent to the entire album; especially his guitar playing. But his voice provides strong waves of soul and rhythm and blues. It all fits together beautifully. The guitar might have a place of honor on the album cover, but Harmon's vocals certainly deserve a spot on the marquee, too.

The Rocking Magpie
by Jack Kidd
September 2021

Effortlessly Rich Variety of The Blues

Born in Jackson, Mississippi but now based in Texas, award winning Blues singer & guitarist Zac Harmon has been ’round the block a time or two and has an iridescent CV stretching way back to playing guitar as a 16 year old, with his Dad’s friend, Sam Meyers.

For more than 25 years he has followed his dream, playing and recording with an impressive list of A1 musicians, ending up in 2021 with a new album which he believes is the most memorable of his illustrious career.

This is his second album released on Catfood Records, following on from 2019’s Mississippi Bar BQ and again Zac has Grammy winning Jim Gaines as the Producer with the label owner Bob Trenchard on Bass. Trenchard also co-wrote 7 of the 10 songs with Zac making him one highly involved and hugely influential participant. The recording was all captured at Sonic Ranch, Tornillo, Texas with the mixing and mastering completed in Tennessee.

“Deal With The Devil” is the lead track and gets the album off on the good foot, with Zac’s precise, stinging guitar licks interspersed between his strong vocal delivery. In fact this is one of 3 tracks that reminded me of the vocals and guitar of Robert Cray and that includes the album’s title track “Long As I Got My Guitar” too.

But wait, there is so much more to this fine album with a couple of very smooth soul efforts where the guitar sounds much more like Ernie Isley than Bobby Cray to me on “New Years Day;” and then again on the more upbeat “Imagine A Prayer”.

Coming across more like a glossy Philly sound than either Memphis or Muscle Shoals is the polished, smoochy version of “Soul Land”, again including an albeit short but stand-out 6 string solo from Harmon.

Zac’s own band members supplement the studio boys on “Love For You Baby” with keyboardist Corey Lacey (who co-wrote the song with Zac) also used to good effect on three other tracks.

Lasting 5 minutes, the closing track, written by Zac and Bob, “Ashes To The Wind” is the longest song on the album but is well worth waiting for, featuring a churchy organ, giving the track an almost gospely feel with SueAnn Carwell and Corey Lacey earning their corn on the backing vocals.

However, the one track that highlights the diversity of music on offer here is also my favourite, “Crying Shame;” an imposing, Swampy, Cajun ballad that could easily have come from the pen of Bobby Charles, with Dan Ferguson’s authentic accordion the prominent ingredient in this delectable gumbo of a song. Once again Zac provides great tone with his guitar playing and adjusts the vocals slightly closer to swamp-pop icon Tony Joe White.

Long As I Got My Guitar is one of those albums that gets better the more you play it and the more you listen too;, the more you hear the subtleties of the musicianship and the imposing lyrics.

All in all, Zac Harmon and his team have delivered a splendid album, rich in variety that effortlessly mixes and melds several sub-genres providing a most enjoyable listening experience. - aka “Messin’ with the Kidd” on lionheartradio.com

Long As I Got My Guitar #3 for the Year 2021 - Soul Blues Album Chart

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