Hard Garden

Hard Garden CD coverExtended Play #1
Hard Garden Music

This is definitely something new for Son Jack Jr. and Michael Wilde, the duo who have represented the Northwest at the International Blues Challenge and twice made the semi-finals. From their past you’d expect them to be releasing more of that traditional Delta style music that has been their mainstay for so many years. But they’re taking a challenging new direction with a new trio format that includes Seattle’s jazz, blues and funk man Garrett Williams. The grouping is called Hard Garden and they’re exploring a more contemporary sound to the blues that encompasses electronic dance music, samples and looping, remindful of the Fat Possum releases from R.L. Burnside in many ways. There is a lot of funkiness on this 3-track EP and on the final number Son Jack lets loose with some vicious slide guitar. This is blues for a new generation. It might not be the right flavor for everybody, but it should appeal to younger audiences. A cool new approach and hopefully they’ll put out a full length recording soon. Big applause to Hard Garden for exploring new ground. Papa’s definitely in the juke joint here and he’s got his groove on.

Total Time: 11:42

Dangerous / Showtime! / Papa’s In The Juke Joint