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Bull Harman Reviews

Bull Harman's been playing guitar a long time (since age twelve). Over the years, he has performed as a member of The Harman Trio, The Harman Family, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage (1996-98), and he now fronts his own group called Bull's Eye. With his three Martin guitars (D-16, HD-28, and D-35), Bull Harman's second solo release entitled "Rosewood, Spruce & Ebony" builds upon the great success and exposure he achieved with his debut album called"Bull's Eye."

Based in the midwest, Harman is now garnering the national bluegrass spotlight as a highly proficient flatpicker and rock solid rhythm guitarist. Harman's creative approach to recording matches his choice of material with his musical friends and family that he feels will best bring the songs to life. Harman clearly has a large impressive network of bluegrass connections, as evidenced by the nearly 25 photos in the CD's jacket of Bull, many with various bluegrass luminaries. The exceptional cast assembled for this project include current bandmates and guests Gena Britt, Thayne Bradford, Jeremy Chapman, Stacy Harman, Tammy Harman, Mickey Harris, Carl Jackson, Bo Jamison, Jay Don Johnson, Randy Kohrs, Ned Luberecki, Valerie Smith, Kevin Strain, Cecil Tinnon, Paul Tinnon, and Rhonda Vincent.

The project opens with a contemporary instrumental, "Lost in the Shuffle,"written by Dave Denman. Carl Jackson then sings his self-penned "C.F. Martin and Me," that inspired the album's title. The spirited "New River Train,"done instrumentally, allows some hot breaks to be traded between guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and Weissenborn guitar. "January Wind" features some fine lead and tenor vocals from Valerie Smith. This album features three guitar solos (Norwegian Wood, Cross Eyed Cricket, Your Last Chance). Some personal favorites are the memorable and infectious instrumentals, "Waitin'on Cecil" and "Trim Cake," which have some unique melodic twists and turns. Besides the bully good picking, the album is a pleasant listen because it spotlights a number of very fine smooth bluegrass vocalists. Rhonda Vincent offers a heartfelt rendition of Jerry Goff's gospel number, "Please Search the Book Again," with its message to get your name into the book of life before you go. Another highlight is Jay Don Johnson and Randy Kohrs providing some inspired duet singing on "Baby You're Gone." Bo Jamison's lead vocals are a perfect fit for "Snowbird." Bull's wife, Tammy, and the band's steady bass-player, Mickey Harris, share lead vocals on "Ozark Mountain Memories," written by Dixie Hall and Terry Herd. A 42-second surprise bonus track closes the album with a child singing the old Sonny Osborne favorite, "Me and My Old Banjo."

This album is a very nice showcase of Bull Harman's artistry as a masterful guitar-player. It also offers a well-rounded selection of material, with equal representation of instrumentals and vocals. The supporting cast of players gives us a lot of variety. I'm not certain how Bull Harman comes by his nickname, but he may just give new meaning to the old slang term "Bull of the Woods," a term for a highly experienced logging foreman. Within bluegrass circles, I'll now use the term in reference to Bull Harman and his Martin guitars. With his solo releases, he's earned a reputation and the credibility as one of bluegrass music's most happening flatpick guitarists at present.

Bull Harman - Rosewood, Spruce & Ebony

By Gary Cook

In the liner notes of this brilliant new release, Bull Harman modestly gives as one of his reasons for recording a second project that "folks wanted more." This has to be one of the biggest bluegrass understatements of 2002. Fact is, Bull's Eye was so well executed that we couldn't believe it was Bull's first recording, but when that reality set in and was digested, fans began salivating in anticipation of a second course. Well, dinner is served and just in time.

Like before, Bull has assembled an eclectic array of talented writers, musicians and vocalists who compliment his mastery of the guitar. The fifteen selections are nicely arranged and offer up traditional and original sounds almost equally divided between singing and instrumentals.

Rosewood, Ebony & Spruce kicks off with Bull calling the shots in "Lost InThe Shuffle." If this man has a style that is his and his alone, in my opinion it is reflected here. Have a listen and see what you think.

The one and only Carl Jackson wrote and sings lead on "C.F. Martin & Me," the cut which gave Bull the album title. I bet most bluegrassers can guess what this one is about.

If I had to pick a song that is alone worth the price of the CD, it would be "Please Search The Book Again," sung by the great Rhonda Vincent. Rhonda is hotter than hot these days, and any artist who can get her to contribute to a project is a lucky artist indeed. This is a wonderful gospel number from a straight-ahead girl with a clear message that will gnaw at you for a longtime.

Bull is absolutely huge on "Trim Cane," a hard driving instrumental, as is Kevin Strain on banjo and Jeremy Chapman on mandolin. Just great bluegrass.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on the project is Tammy Harman's warm and richl ead vocals on "Ozark Mountain Memories," a role she shares with Mickey Harris. Co-written by Dixie Hall and Terry Herd, this is a tune that rings with authenticity. The dilemma for a reviewer covering a project with no weak links is that he wants to say something positive about every song, but space limitations preclude such a possibility. I haven't even mentioned Valerie Smith, Jay Don Johnson and Bo Jamison, but they all give outstanding performances as do the many fine pickers who dot the album.

Others have said it, and it is true. Bull Harman is without a doubt one ofthe best flat- pickers in the world, and Rosewood, Spruce & Ebony only enhances that claim. Every song bears his mark, the mark of hard work bathed in excellence. This is a big, bold piece of art that will make a sizeable splash in bluegrass circles and beyond, so buy two and pass the word.

... "This Missouri resident had spread his reputation while performing with Rhonda Vincent's band, but "Bull's Eye" gives him a chance to further establish himself as a talented and versatile picker and songwriter." ...

... "Despite the overwhelming number of hot guitarists out there, there's always room for one more when there's this much ability and this distinctive a musical identity." ...

If you are going to do a super Bluegrass recording, you get a super line up of singers and musicians such as: Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Tina Adair, Keith Adair, Bob Black, Kirk Brandenberger, 4 Sisters and a Cousin, Kevin Liley, Cecil Tinnon, Rob McDonnell and the Harman Family. Next you take seven of your own songs, a few numbers fro other great song writers and go at it. This is how Bull Harman went about producing a top notch album, "Bull's Eye." While this is primarily a guitar album, featuring Harman, whose style is that of his own and not a copy of any other artist, there is also an ample amount of fine lead and harmony singing by some of the top singers in the business. great guitar pickin' by a great Guy!!

David "Bull" Harman has many talents. Folks who saw him when he toured with Rhonda Vincent & The Rage a few years back, or those who have seen him recently with the Harman Family, no doubt appreciate his incredible guitar playing. They may also be aware of the fact that Harman also writes great lyrics. "Am I Losing You" and "South Train to Memphis" are two fine examples of his talent. Both appear on this album.

What some folks may not have picked up on until now is the fact that Harman has a talent for surrounding himself with ladies. Does that make him a ladies man? I don't know. What I do know is Harman chose some fine ladies to help him out on this, his first solo project. Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss, Stacy Harman, Tammy Harman, Lori Harman Cummins, Four Sisters & A Cousin and Tina Adair. They all sing on this album.

Ms. Vincent, who's currently receiving rave reviews for her first Rounder Records recording, "Back Home Again," sings lead on "Unclouded Day," while Ms. Krauss adds her low tenor to the chorus. Krauss can also be heard playing fiddle on "Fighting Irishman."

It's all in the family on Johnny Cash's "Tennessee Flattop Box." Stacy Harman sings lead, Tammy Harman (Bull's wife) sings baritone, and Lori Harman Cummins sings tenor, while Bull works his magic on the guitar. (Who needs a band behind you when you have harmonies like these?)

Four Sisters & A Cousin sing "Am I Losing You". Tina Adair sings "South Train To Memphis". He does have one token male singer on the album. Rob McDonnell sings "How I Long To Be In The Mountains."

When not backing the ladies with his solid rhythm playing, Harman flatpicks with the best. He shines on "Fighting Irishman," "Bull's Eye," "Gypsy Dream," "Ridin The Blue Ridge," and "Another Time" -- all Harman originals.

The other pickers on this album include Cecil Tinnon on mandolin, Bob Black on banjo, Rob McDonnell on bass. Kevin Liley on banjo, Kirk Brandenberger on fiddle, Keith Adair on bass and Mike Harman on banjo.

This one is a keeper....