Big Harp George — “Cooking With Gas” — Blues Mountain Records
George Bisharat, the chromatic harmonica wizard known to the music world as Big Harp George, has released his seventh album — “Cooking With Gas” — one which describes both BHG’s career trajectory as well as the joyous excitement of his latest exuberant session.
George didn’t begin his recording career until his first album in 2014, following distinctly unmusical careers as a criminal defense attorney, law professor at UC Hastings College of the Law, and commentator on law and politics in the Middle East.
Since then, his mastery of the chromatic harmonica has allowed him to expand on his musical themes in a way that traditional blues harp work does not — with a more elegant, jazzlike sound. He’s also one heckuva songwriter, casting an often-sardonic eye at the world around him and turning what he sees into lyrical delights.
On this session, George has hooked up with West Coast Kid Andersen’s Greaseland production studios and added some of Andersen’s backing band members. The core band of guitarist Andersen includes drummer Derrick D’Mar Martin, keyboardist Chris Burns, trombonist Mike Rinta, saxophonist Michael Peloquin, baritone saxophonist Doug Rowan, and bassist Joe Kyle Jr. The Sons of the Soul Revivers (James, Dwayne, and Walter Morgan) sing enthusiastic background on all but three tracks. That group, plus a handful of extras on selected tracks, make for a rousing album filled with both lyrical and musical delights.
The title track is the fast-paced opener, as “Cooking With Gas” burns brightly with Burns turning up the heat on piano. “Cellphone Hater 2.0” dials up a satirical lyric plus swinging jazz on the chromatic, all kicked along by crackling horns. “Doom Loop,” is filled with more horns and Latin rhythms.
“Wine Is My Friend” is sparkling fine old-fashioned R&B with a smooth doo-wop vintage. The funky instrumental “Maceosity” is a tribute to James Brown’s musical director Maceo Parker, with George flexing his harp in yet another style. “Awkward Me” features a smooth band sound with an elegant sax solo behind an amusing self-deprecating lyric. “What the Missus Misses” swings hard behind the Big Harp with more lyrical delights.
The instrumental “June’s Tune” is for drummer June Core, from Charlie Musselwhite’s West Coast bands. Andersen takes a notable retro turn on upright bass. “DIY Mama” is a slyly salacious take on a woman who prefers to take her satisfaction alone. “Paradise Is Burning” takes a more serious, slow-burning turn with an apocalyptic bent.
George takes some philosophical digs at his own self and others who are getting along in years on “The Older We Get” — “The older we get, the better we was” — with an easy big-band feel. Bluesy chromatic swing polishes off the session with the lovely instrumental ballad, “When I First Held Valerie.”
Big Harp George has stepped up his game in a swinging way on “Cooking With Gas.” It’s more than just an easy pun to say that he’s cooking better than ever here, with his clever lyrics, easy singing style, and the power of his big chromatic harp.
Here’s the official video of “Cooking With Gas”:
Tracklist:
01. Cooking with Gas (3:52)
02. Cellphone Hater 2.0 (3:34)
03. Doom Loop (4:35)
04. Wine Is My Friend (3:46)
05. Maceosity (5:28)
06. Awkward Me (3:43)
07. What the Missus Misses (3:46)
08. June’s Tune (3:55)
09. DIY Mama (4:10)
10. Paradise Is Burning (3:47)
11. The Older We Get (3:22)
12. When I First Held Valerie (3:42)
Blues Roadhouse 