Like so many blues artists, Zac Harmon cut his musical teeth in church. So, it's appropriate the first track on his debut album, "That Mighty High," pays tribute to his gospel inspiration.

It gets the album off to a good start with one of six original compositions Harmon co-authored. There's a good vintage feel to all of these and they merge well with three penned by other artists. All offer soulful vocals, great guitar and foot-stomping rhythm.

A native Jackson, Mississippian, Harmon calls himself a disciple of the Farish Street blues sound -- the source of many legendary blues musicians. He honed his skills as a guitarist, organist and vocalist in church, expanded them as a guitarist with Z.Z. Hill and Sam Myers, among others, and then spent a long time in the record business before coming back on stage.

Apparently all that preparation paid off. The Blues Foundation gave him its "Best New Artist Debut" award in 2006.

Harmon is admirably backed by his Midsouth Blues Revue band, featuring Jeff Stone on harmonica, Cora C. Coleman on traps, Dug "Mug" Swanson on bass, Rodney Millon on guitar and Bill Purdy on organ and piano. He teams up with the phenomenal Mickey Champion on my favorite selection from the album, "It Hurts Me Too," and Gregg Wright, on guitar, for "Comfort of a Man."

by John R. Lindermuth
Rambles.NET
17 February 2007

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