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Whilst Aaron’s voice is good Grace’s voice is exceptional and she really makes these tracks stand

out. My only reservation is that in the future they don’t venture too far down the heavy rock route
as I would hate to see them lose that rootsy vibe that makes them so special. Great album.

Ged Wilson

Zac Harmon—Long As I Got My Guitar—Catfood Records CFR
031

As with many others in the world, during this pandemic Jackson
Mississippi born Zac lost his mum, Floreada Harmon in May of
this year and has dedicated this album to her memory. It is
noticeable that the customary underlying warm and soothing,
smooth Southern country soul feel, usually found in Zac’s vocals,

are here tinged with a discernible sadness; which gives the
numbers a greater intimacy and resonance. The album was
recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in, Tornillo, Texas. Zac takes
lead guitar and vocals with the studio band ‘The Rays’, who back Zac on 9 of the 10 numbers here;
They are led by studio owner Bob Trenchard who plays bass with Richy Puga on drums, Johnny
McGhee; guitar and Dan Ferguson; keyboards.

Zac Harmon is a true embodiment of the music that emanated from the city’s historic Farish Street
district, home of blues legend Elmore James also, his time spent backing artists such as; Z.Z. Hill,
Dorothy Moore and Sam Myers has certainly not been wasted, for here his skilful musical eloquence
is deftly displayed on the opener ‘Deal With The Devil’, the sweetly ringing, mellow jazz rich
signature picking from Zac meshes seamlessly with his calmly understated vocal. The slow
trenchant alluring percussion of ‘People Been Talking’, a tale of rumours and infidelity, splendidly
entwines with a richly stark, low key guitar that is underpinned by a slowly scorching keyboard. On

‘Love For You Baby’, Zac is joined by his touring band who are; Corey Lacy; keyboards, Chris
Gipson, bass and Jamil Byron, drums. Together, they create a wonderfully nostalgic dreamily
sensuous late 70’s smoocher, complete with an enticing girly chorus and tinkling bells. The spine
tingling and thought provoking ‘Ashes To The Wind’, is a melancholic, slowburning piano and
smouldering keyboard ballad that has a dour Zac requesting where his ashes should be scattered at

his end. ‘Waiting To Be Free’, is a rock solid, burning blues, asking the possibly pointless questions
of promises made in the 19th century again in the 21st, of fairness, honesty and especially
emancipation. ‘Soul Land’, is a unashamed comforting memory of the past, which included family,
love, safety and security. Self-delusion is one thing but, when you can play the guitar anywhere
near as good as Zac then ‘Long As I Got My Guitar’, is more of a statement of fact, for this
attractive, withering and starkly played modern blues tale is nothing less than tasteful and
endearing.

Seriously recommended!

Brian Harman.