James Harman – Didn’t We Have Some Fun Sometime

A fabulous, heartfelt final parting, musical gift from the Legendary Blues Artist JAMES HARMAN (1946 - 2021). For all his many friends and fans, who loved both the man and his music, this is a must have CD. 12 James Harman originals performed by James and his Those Dangerous Gentlemen's band. Recorded, mixed and mastered by James's long time guitarist NATHAN JAMES.

"James brought a lot of great Blues music to the world and deserves high honors for the integrity of his life's work, being true to the Blues". - CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE

"James Harman was my favorite Blues poet, raconteur, improvisor and comedian, a genius on so many levels". - MARK HUMMEL

"There was only one James Harman" - ROD PIAZZA

Track Listing:
1. Pick Up The Slack - 4:44   2. A Rut And A Groove - 5:55   3. A Hand Shake - 3:02   4. Work Don’t Come To Me - 6:23   5. Who’s Got The Geetus - 5:25   6. Mind’s Eye Makes The Call - 5:32   7. That Old Clock - 6:20   8. You Can’t Arrest Me For What’s On My Mind - 5:20   9. Trouble Loadin’ Mama - 3:27   10. Knock Me Out Again - 7:29   11. Taking It On The Lam - 4:13   12. Didn’t We Have Some Fun Sometime - 3:38

Personnel: 
James Harman (vocals, harmonica & story telling) , Nathan James (guitar on all tracks, upright bass on 9, 12, foot drum percussion on 3, 5, 6, 8, 10) , Michael Tempo (percussion on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, drums on 12) , Marty Dodson (drums on 1, 2, 4, 7, 11) , Troy Sandow (bass on 1, 2, 4, 7, 11) , Carl Sonny Leyland (piano on track 9) , Hal Smith (drums on 9) , Gene Taylor (piano on 12)

Reviews:

1. www.bluestownmusic.nl - Pascal Wilhelm
James Harman was one of the most outstanding standard-bearers of the 50’s style blues.
This last record with all originals (he died in 2021) was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Sacred Cat Studios in Oceanside and Mountain Center by the great Nathan D. James, Harman’s protégé. Harman took him out on the road at a very young age and taught him the ropes. “James Harman was the real deal and he taught me many things as a young man straight out of high school as we travelled across the United States to play American Blues music. I am forever grateful for the experience.“ With this record, Nathan pays respect to his master, and he couldn’t have done a better job.
Recordings were taken from livestreams made during the pandemic at Nathan’s place and other studio sessions. The song: ”A hand shake” is a reminder of the situation we found ourselves in when Covid-19 hit the world: “Tellin’ you bub, I need a hug, hell a handshake wouldn’t be too bad.”
Harman’s storytelling was exceptional and there are several great examples of this on this record which is, in all, a very transparent production with tastefully added percussion (listen to percussionist Michael Tempo on A Rut And A Groove) and dirty low-down guitar sounds and grooves.
Nathan has been doing solo shows in which he uses foot drum percussion, the sound and the groove also being present on this record. The record also features Marty Dodson and Hal Smith on drums, Troy Sandow on bass guitar and Carl Sonny Leyland and Gene Taylor on piano.
The album title “Didn’t we have some fun sometime” was what Harman’s father said to his wife in his death bed just before he passed away. With this heartbreaking understatement James Harman says farewell, leaving us with this beautiful record.

At the same time, when you look at the front cover, he appears to say: “Hey now!” to any old fan or new fan picking up this record. This is a must have. Period.

2. Rootstime : 2024.07 https://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2024/JUL1/CD83.html