Piper
& the Hard Times
Revelation
By Phillip Smith; Nov. 9, 2024
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Revelation by Piper & the Hard Times is one of the most
riveting blues albums gracing my to-review stack of CDs in the past several
months. I love the band’s energy, vibrant sound, and groove-filled songs. It’s
no wonder they pulled down first place at the International Blues Challenge
in Memphis earlier this year. Fronted by vocalist Al ‘Piper’ Green, the
band is also comprised of Steve ‘The Conductor’ Eagon on guitar, Dave ‘Sexy
Boy Himself’ Colella on drums/percussion, Amy ‘The Professor’ Frederick
on piano/Hammond organ, and Parker ‘PH Funkstick’ Hawkins on bass.
Guests include Shaun Murphy, Lisa Oliver-Gray, Melissa Gardner,
Chris ‘Freight Train’ Floyd, Eddie Meyer, and Dick Aven.
From the opening song “Trouble Man”, I was totally onboard. This up-tempo, organ-infused jam quickly grabbed my attention with Green’s husky baritone voice and Eagon’s ripping guitar licks. “Hard Times” is a wonderful hard-driving blues-rocker. Piper’s vocals shine and the band absolutely cooks. To hear the fabulous Shaun Murphy (Meatloaf, Bob Seger, Little Feat) step up to the microphone on this song puts a smile on my face. Hosting an infectious hook, and a funky groove, title-track “Revelation” truly wins me over. With Freight Train on harp, “Crave You” becomes a surefire barn-burner. Piper breaks out in full Howlin’ Wolf-mode on this one. I love hearing Murphy lend her amazing voice to “Walk With Me”. It’s a wonderful experience to listen to her bounce lines back and forth with Piper.
No doubt, Piper & the Hard Times’ Revelation is a must for the blues fan. The record is definitely ranked among my favorites of 2024.
