2016 – Mark Harrison
By Phillip Smith; Sep. 17, 2016
UK musician Mark Harrison is one hell of a
story-teller and songwriter. He delivers
his roots-rich music acoustically using National
and twelve string guitars. His latest album, Turpentine, is a delightful listen to say the least. Playing alongside Harrison on this thirteen track album of all original material is Charles Benfield on double bass, Ed Hopwood on drums, percussion and
harmonica, and Paul Tkachenko on
mandolin, piano, organ, and accordion.
Make the best with what you
have, is the message shared in “Black Dog Moan”. The light and carefree melody
captures my full attention. I can
totally relate to the frustration Harrison
sings about in “Hardware Store”, as he sings ‘”All those things they sell down
in that hardware store. I don’t know
what they do and I don’t know what they’re for”. The fabulous instrumental, “Dog Rib” is a haunting
bluesy treat with a tribal beat. This is
acoustic blue at its best. Tkachenko straps on the accordion and
sprinkles some New Orleans-style Cajun seasoning into “Dirty Business”, a song
about greed and thievery.
I absolutely adore the “The
Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek”. This amazing song tells the story of the deal
made in 1830 between the US government and Chief
Greenwood LeFlore of the Choctaw Nation, in what is now known as Mississippi.
One listen to Turpentine, and it is quite apparent why
Harrison received two nominations in
the British Blues Awards, for Songwriter and Acoustic. The album is an instant treasure in my books.
