New Ben Harper

I've been enjoying the album the past few days. I like the change in direction, although it's not a big change, just a bit more rocking. He has recently stated that this isn't a side project, but his current focus. Should be interesting to see where he takes the band.

I got it last week and welcome the new sound.  I think Ben wanted to do something different and edgier and Relentless7 provides that outlet.  My favorite on the new album is "Keep It Together".  Very Lenny Kravitz.

Brett,

I actually posted on the first day this thread was up..... but got distracted, and, by the time I hit "enter"..... it had logged me OUT and my post was gone.........  'twas just too late in the evening (or early in the morning to be precise) to re-write it. 

I just wanted to say, that I've had the good fortune to see Ben in a couple of more intimate situations...... once, last May at a Folk Festival with about 1,500 people.... which was held on the grounds of Ben's grade school in his hometown of Claremont, CA.  Happens to be my hometown too.  His friends, Jackson Browne, and Taj Mahal were also there that evening.  It's an annual event sponsored by Claremont Folk Music Center which was owned and operated for decades by Ben's grandparents.  Ben grew UP there....   Ben now owns it, and his mother, Ellen runs it.  Ben played that day with his mom.... and many others.  It was a really lovely thing to see.

The other very special event I attended was a tribute to Chris Darrow, another long time Claremont resident, held at McCabe's Guitar in Santa Monica.  A tiny room held about 150 of us..... watching many different folks honoring this much unsung hero.  Ben was one of them.  Chris is a lifelong friend and mentor to Ben.  "Whipping Boy" was written by Chris.  For me, the highlight of the evening was watching the two of them sit together, guitars in laps...... and sing it.... and play it together.  Chris remembered fondly the first time Ben played it in his living room...... "he OWNED it", he said.  I have a videotape of it and have been asked, out of respect to McCabe's "no video" policy, not to post it.  It's a shame.  It's something that people should see....... the student...... having so much respect and reverence for the teacher.... and, for that matter, to be playing in McCabe's too.  It was very clear to me that, aside from Ben's  worldwide fame..... he remains a humble man.... who is grateful for his beginnings..... and for his friends. 

Here is another performance of that song.....  try to imagine NO drums.... and a second slide guitarist...... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRGmEkm5R9I

I've not heard the new album..... hope this wasn't too off topic for you.  I thought you, and other Ben Harper fans might find it interesting.

Also..... Chris Darrow's record company was shooting video there that evening, and so, I remain hopeful that that video will be made public one day.  We'll see. 

Libby