At the next Twangville town council meeting I’m making a motion to adopt “Municipal Harp Day” in honor of the best new recordings by blues and roots harmonica players. Along with Charlie Musselwhite’s new release, Canadian harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens in May released his remarkable Breathe in the World, Breathe Out Music.
Stevens has been earnestly kicking around the country, roots and blues scenes since the 1980s, becoming well known for his harmonica work in the bluegrass community and even performing at the Grand Ole Opry.
Recently recovering from the ravages of Lyme disease, Stevens finds the cure for our ills the eclectic Breathe in the World, which in its variety reflects the musician’s entire career. Running the gamut from folk to blues to, well, just interesting music, Stevens’ harp skills shine through as the common thread running through all the songs. Among the more interesting songs are the buoyant opening, “Like a Little Bird;” the instrumental exploration, “Watermelon Pie;” the folksy “Living in Sarnia,” and the bluesy “Devil’s Bride,” below.
Motion to adopt “Municipal Day,” Mr. Mayer. Motion carried for today?
About the author: Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.