Page 22 Advertisements Column 1

Rip It Up, Issue 151, 1 February 1990, Page 22

Ak -I VtAi Harmonica Virtuoso Brendan Power “STATE OF THE HARP” Brendon Power is New Zealand’s top session harmonica player, having played on numerous TV and radio commercials as well as having recorded albums with everyone from the likes of Patsy Riggir, Howard Morrison and Suzanne Prentice, to Wayne - Gillespie and Shona Laing. He has toured with Gray Bartlett and Chicago Bluesman Big Moose Walker and played support for overseas artists such as Brownie McGhee and the late Roy Buchanan. Even in this age of synthesizers and computerised machine music, or perhaps despite it, the harmonica remains easily the world’s biggest-selling musical instrument in terms of units sold, and innovative players around the world are constantly raising technical levels and exploring new sounds and styles on the instrument. Brendan Power is one of these. He has developed a number of exciting improvements on the instruments he plays, and his advice has been sought by leading harmonica manufacturers overseas. While most players tend to specialise in either the rootsy Blues Harp or the more refined Chromatic Harmonica, Brendan is one of the few players in the world who is equally at ease on both types, allowing him to explore a wide range of musical styles with flair and authority. This, his debut album, exposes a world-class musical talent tempered with depth and maturity. Produced and arranged by Brendan himself (in association with top Auckland drummer and engineer Steve Garden), it contains a refreshing diversity of musical streams, ranging through soulful Celtic tunes, reflective Jazz, scorching R n’ B, chicken-pickin’ Country, and five classy originals displaying a promising writing talent. ‘ Inspired backing is provided by some of the country’s hottest young musicians; without a doubt, this is Kiwi music of a high standard, and Jayrem Records is proud to introduce Brendan Power and “State Of The Harp”, for your listening pleasure. “STATE OF THE HARP” IS AVAILABLE NOW ON CASSETTE WITH CD RELEASE TO FOLLOW NEXT MONTH. .gsgfiggx WHAT OTHERS SAY ... “ .... harmonica player Brendan Power coaxes pseudo-synth sounds from his instrument to get great dramatic effects. Uniformly excellent musicianship.” (JIM HATLO, for the U.S. music magazine "FRETS”). “YOUR PLAYING IS SUPERB! You are obviously today’s musician.” (WALTER MULLER, respected Swiss harmonica designer). “I really enjoyed your playing. You have all the technique you need, and you have created a means for your own style with the different tuning.” (CHARLIE McCOY, top Nashville harmonica player). “Power is a renowned master of the harmonica ...” (WAIKATO TIMES) AVAILABLE NOW ON CASSETTE P.O. BOX 38-558, PETONE, N.Z.