Bleeding Harp
Gotta Have
Self - Produced
This four - piece Blues band
pushes hard and fast with an
intuitive sense of excitement.
Combining the strengths of
harmonica, guitar, bass and
drums, Bleeding Harp covers
a few traditional pieces and
forges ahead with contemporary
Blues/Rock sounds. Guitarist
Jeff Marshall folds the band's
harmony together and rips off
a few powerful solo licks to
add emphasis. Paul Vallis sings twelve of the albums thirteen
pieces, as James Kirk provides
a solid bass foundation and
drummer Bobby Jarzombek
syncopates with alacrity.

But
it's Vallis's Blues harp that
serves as the band's centerpiece
and works out as it's strongest
feature. His searing melodies
and sustained phrases serve as
a thread that weaves itself
through the program.
Formed over ten years ago
in England, this local band
oozes with hot pride.
The albums lone instrumental
number, "Creeper Returns",
digs in solidly and lifts you up
by your shirt collar. Vallis and
Marshall fog the windows
with the steam that escapes
from their instruments.
Together, the band members
give their audience a complete
program that's filled with
contemporary hues an rollick-
ing Blues. Audio samples from
the album may be found online.

Start your search at
www.bleedingharp.com

- Jim Santella