[Harp-L] Subject: Review: Jason Ricci & New Blood at Terra Blues 12/1

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Finally got to meet Garry Hodgson.  Jason introduced us.  I had  spotted 
Garry's rigged up mics...but Terra's very dark and I couldn't read his  cap from 
my location <G>
 
The place was packed...audience very receptive as JRNB began.   I  was blown 
away.  Honestly? I had expected more of the same terrific stuff  I'd already 
heard at previous shows.  After all, how does one improve on  one's best?  
Well, somehow Jason Ricci managed to do just that last  night. His voice sounded 
better than I've heard him before, let alone his  always phenomenal harp 
playing.   Shawn Starsky's guitar was  on fire as well...there's a symbiosis between 
those two that would lose some  of the magic apart.  I hope that particular 
musical collaboration  never ends....it's a wonder to behold.  Steve Johnson is 
the perfect  drummer for New Blood and the latest addition of Todd Edmunds 
brought (in my  humble opinion) a whole new dynamic to their sound I hadn't 
picked up with any  of the temps they've used since Slim Louis' retirement.  Todd 
seems to  really "get" where Jason is going.  Jason did a few of his  
"standards"...but told some new stories (to me at least) this time.  I very  much 
enjoyed his David/Junior Kimbrough tale.  Late in the evening he  performed one 
absolutely gorgeous harp/guitar number with Shawn that had me on  my feet and 
close to tears it was so beautiful.  He credited Shawn with  having written it.  
Didn't get the name of the piece.  Hopefully Garry  will have more 
information.
 
When/if Garry has last night's show available as a download,  this will 
undoubtedly become one of my favorite Jason Ricci & New Blood  shows.  Now I just 
wish it'd been officially taped for a Live  CD.  Another incredibly satisfying 
harp evening.
 
Elizabeth