Bluesman Harman returns to the Rockfish
0 Comment | Email | Print | 214 views Elaine Walker | Anacortes American
October 27, 2009 - 10:43 AM
Last Updated: October 27, 2009 - 10:44 AM

Showman, vocalist and blues harp player James Harman, a charismatic performer who will be remembered by many here for his rocking appearances in Bluesharp Blowouts, returns to the Rockfish Grill at 8 p.m. Thursday to head a show featuring Nathan James. Cover is $10.

“James Harman is one of my personal favorites out of all the people who have come here,” said the Rockfish’s Rick Star. “It’s a whole night of James Harman. He is a legendary West Coast Blues guy.”

Harman has received 14 W.C. Handy blues award nominations for his songs on his own releases and for collaborations with other artists.

He began learning piano at age 4 in Anniston, Ala. After his lessons, he’d play the Hohner harmonicas his father kept in the piano bench. Before long he was experimenting with other instruments, including guitar, organ, bass and drums, and singing in the church choir.

Inspiration struck in the form of black blues and soul music he heard on the radio. After moving to Panama City, Fla., in 1962, he began hanging out at black nightclubs featuring such performers as Little Junior Parker, Jimmy Reed, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Joe Tex and James Carr, and the house bands started inviting “that boy who sings like a man” to sit in. Encouraged, Harman launched the first of his many R&B ensembles. Using such names as King James and the Royals, Snakedoctor, the Disciples, Voo Doo Daddy and Kingsnakes, he played Southern juke joints and dance clubs and recorded several 45s for obscure labels.

In the late 1960s Harman moved to Southern California and teamed up with members of Canned Heat, the Blasters, Hollywood Fats and other well-known West Coast blues musicians. In the Icehouse Blues Band featuring James Harman, he played stints with Big Joe Turner, John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, B.B. King and T-Bone Walker.

This weekend, watch out for spooky happenings at various venues. A Halloween bash with Gertrude’s Hearse is Saturday at the Star Bar, and Department of Safety plans an all-ages Halloween party with six metal bands for $3. The Swinomish Northern Lights Casino has a Spooktacular Ball featuring the band The Spazmatics and a costume contest 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 30; $10.

Also this week:

• Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., presents Fidalgo Swing, Oct. 28; Mary McPage Band, Oct. 31. Call 588-1720.

• Star Bar, 416-1/2 Commercial Ave., presents Low Country Thieves, Oct. 30. Call 293-6747.

• Thai Season Restaurant, 710 Commercial Ave., presents Emily Leopold 5-7 p.m. Sundays; no cover.

• Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., presents Open Mic Thursdays with Neil Stuchal, 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Movie night is after Monday Night Football; Tuesday trivia night. No cover. Call 293-2544.

• Watertown Pub, 314 Commercial Ave., offers live music most weekends. Saturday is ladies night with top 40 DJ Ben Brown; Wednesday is karaoke night with DJ Steve, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 293-3587.

• Johnny Picasso’s, 501 Commercial Ave., presents live music/open mic 7-9 p.m. Thursdays.

• Swinomish Northern Lights Casino presents Jazz Lunches 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 293-2691.

• Anacortes Eagles presents live music 7:30-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays; Sardines, Oct. 30-31. Members and guests only. Call 293-3012.





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