Album Reviews

Zac Harmon

Right Man Right Now

Artist:     Zac Harmon

Album:     Right Man Right Now

Label:     Blind Pig

Release Date:     08/28/2015

90

Zac Harmon was among the producers of Black Uhuru’s Mystical Truth album, which received a 1994 Grammy nomination. As a guitarist, he’s been compared to Freddie King. As a songwriter, he’s worked with Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Whispers and the O’Jays. This CD, his singer-songwriter debut on Blind Pig Records, will appeal to fans of 21st Century Blues with modern ideas, joyful romps, and sorrow without self-pity.

Harmon wrote or co-wrote ten of these 11 songs. If his vocals seem a bit too smooth, too Old School R&B, he’s just saving up the grit for moments when he tackles injustice in love or in the neighborhood. The production, by Christopher Troy and B.R. Millon, is earthy and elegant. This is especially true on “Long Live The Blues,” an instantly likeable anthem, in which Harmon makes a claim on his roots and his Roots Music. On “Raising Hell,” the players include organist Lucky Peterson, playing clean and dirty at the same time, and Anson Funderburgh on electric guitar, with his bold, loping style.

“Back Of the Yards” laments recent shootings in a tough Chicago district. “Hump In Your Back” offers up a great groove with trumpet and sax, while esteemed guest vocalist Bobby Rush makes his uptempo seduction pitch, teasing his harmonica into the act. The title song is a knowing portrait of a man who specializes in lonesome women. Right Man Right Now is a CD that’s sure to make folks’ feet and shoulders move with delight.

– Annie Dinerman

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