The
Live at the Hollywood Bowl EP captures
Ben Harper's intoxicating live presence, and devoted followers of the blues-inspired singer/songwriter will find this a natural addition to their record collections. The four-song special edition EP is merely a glimpse of
Harper's DVD release of the same name, a magical highlight at the famed venue in August 2003 while
Harper toured in support of
Diamonds on the Inside. From the seven-minute funk jam "Brown Eyes Blues" to the reggae-tinged "With My Own Two Hands," the listener is soaked in
Harper's laid-back live show. A spiritual theme flows throughout, and
Harper's rendition of "War" resonates with sociopolitical events happening during that time. He's always one with a message and his large fan base obviously listens closely, because he continues to sell out shows around the world. He does it with a carefree, smooth kind of style; therefore many choose to take in
Harper's musical love. "Amen Omen" is an example of this. Covering
Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing," which has become a standard for
Harper since the late '90s, is also an example of
Harper's power of words. For those who passionately follow his work,
Live at the Hollywood Bowl is required listening. [The DVD portion includes 14 tracks and it was filmed by brothers Brendan and Emmett Malloy (
Metallica,
Avril Lavigne,
blink-182).] ~ MacKenzie Wilson