Big Harp George - Cooking With Gas
Review Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - 2023 / 2024
Big Harp George - "Cooking With Gas" -2024 www.bigharpgeorge.com - Blues Mountain Records - Produced by-Chris Burns - Horn Arrangements - All tracks except "Junes Tune" by Mike Rinta / Recorded at Greaseland Studios , January and May , 2023 / Sound Engineering - Kid Andersen / Music Mastering - Joe Tarantino / Media Contact - Betsie Brown , Blind Raccoon LLC
As remarkable as this sounds ,for those unfamiliar with "Big Harp George'' ( and that , is certainly a crime and a most serious oversight) , this chromatic harp slinger , vocalist , and gifted song-writer has taught courses at UC Law San Francisco for more than 30 years! Professor George Bisharat studied law,anthropology,and Middle East studies at Harvard . After working as a trial lawyer for the San Francisco Public Defender's Office ,he joined the UC Law SF faculty in 1991 and taught courses including Criminal Practice Clinic,Criminal Procedure , Islamic Law, and Law and Social Anthropology . Since taking emeritus status in 2025 , George has repeatedly come back to teach classes at UC Law SF .
Blues Mountain Records is the perfect home for Big Harp George , a musician always reaching out for new heights , unafraid to take musical chances , the peak in eyesight but not yet reached . A gifted songwriter and an impeccable harp player , with a voice that simmers with soulfulness , Big Harp George releases music with the enviable pace of a roadrunner on acid .
"Cooking With Gas" , the latest release from Big Harp George , recorded at Greaseland in San Jose , California , is a delightful treat . His great musical sense of humor is seasoned well with double entendres , sly winks , and snarky smiles . George's superb chromatic harp work sizzles,whetting the appetites of blues fans everywhere . With songwriting that is both tongue-in-cheek , droll , and insightful , the music takes on a free-wheelin' and free spirited flow , rollicking , danceable , infectious , raucous , and boisterous.Whew! Ready to kick you square in the pants , delightfully demanding that you shimmy and shake , "Cooking With Gas" delivers a full-course meal of wonderful musical surprises. Big Harp George is certainly a great host,dishing up something that rouses all the senses .
" You have to have a solid foundation to start with. To me,getting the rhythm section right and then the horns will fall in the right place.It's like lanes. You're on the freeway. Get in your lane and stay in your lane . First you have to define your lanes."
Joining in the fun are Kid Anderson's swinging and raucous guitar work ; Producer Chris Burns on keyboards ; Mike Peloquin , trombone ; Drummers Derrick "D'Mar" Martin and June Core ; Saxophone solos from Doug Rowan,Aaron Lington, Mike Peloquin ; Background Vocals from the Sons of the Revivers ; and the rhythm section of bassists Joe Kyle,Jr; and Jerry Jemmott . Clearly everyone is having a ball here , and the sessions at Graceland must have been great fun and wildly enthusiastic , to say the least . With "The Soul Revivers" raining down their beautiful harmonies on the tracks "What The Missus Misses" and "Paradise Is Burning" ; Michael Peloquin's composition "Maceosity" , featuring himself on sax , and Chris Burns on piano ; and the two instrumentals - "Junes Tune" , featuring Kid on stand-up bass , and the sentimental "When I First Met Valerie" , Chris Burns on piano ; "Cooking With Gas" fires on every burner possible , dishing up some great fun , feverishly plating some of the best harp work out there , with spirits high and enthusiasm running wild. The songs have plenty of variety , arrangements that cut across so many different avenues , with every track a winner , and the musicians , of course , are top notch . Big Harp George writes lyrics with an impish delight , eyes glinting with glee , always waiting to surprise you. "Cooking With Gas" is another fresh and exciting entree from the always enjoyable "Big Harp George" . Don't wait to treat yourself to this outstanding release!
