Harrison Street Band

Harrison Street Band

By Mitzi Beliveau

I decided to cut my vacation short to see friends play at a CD release event at Wilbeskis Blues Saloon in St. Paul, MN. The first thing I will do is give credit to my friend Trish for doing a short interview on the phone to help me with this story. She knew I would be busy and needed some background before I wrote this story. Thank you, Trish! This was their CD release party. Their opening band was Squishy Mud. I will write about them in another blog story.

The principal members of this band are Robb who plays the bass, Bill on the drums, Tony lead guitar and Erin vocalist and washboard player. They are occasionally accompanied by Joe on harmonica, Paul on keyboard and Tommy on trumpet. The band Harrison Street have been playing for seven years, and Erin wrote all of the songs on the new album except for “Funky Way.” Harrison Street is the name of the Album.

I was excited to see this band with several members whom I have the pleasure of seeing and hearing before at Jam Sessions and playing with other groups. I was not disappointed.

Robb, the bass player, plucked with a natural and smooth rhythm of the music. Never missing a note or beat. Yes, if your bass players have to be on the beat. I could feel the bass beat and emotions that go with Robb as he played.

Joe played well, and rhythm and tempo were smooth and the right key on the Harmonica.  Paul as always is a powerhouse blues singer and exceptional keyboard player. The top keyboard player in the five-state area.

Bill is an extraordinary excellent drummer. The envy of many other bands. What you have one of the best drummers in the five-state area, your group is always on beat and well led in time and rhythm.

Tony is well on the beat as lead guitar, and his smooth emotional and energetic music on his guitar sings all by itself.

Erin is the power-house singer with a voice of brass and sass. Smooth Blues and soft rock and roll. Her music and sound are felt in each note she sings. She is an influential singer and a great washboard player. I have not seen a washboard player since the early 1960s. What an awesome instrument.

I like the way the stage has different props to set the mood of the music on this music event of their CD release party. Tommy was on the Trumpet and beautiful music and tempo always on the beat. I love the inter-reactions of the band members and additions. It comes from a great leader. Erin is that great leader and the guys follow her wisdom and knowledge.

For well-written originals songs, I give the band five stars. For stage presence, I give the group five stars. For powerhouse vocals, I give the band five stars. They are becoming the top 10 bands in the five-state area. I can see them soon becoming in the top five for the five-state region. If you have not seen them see them soon. They are becoming a national hit. Below are the links you can contact them.

 

Harrison Street Band Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/HarrisonStreetBand/

 

Youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqiWLOqlmrU

 

Youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql5HWHG6buc

 

Where you can watch the Harrison Street Band

https://harrisonstreetband.com/shows/

 

Wilebskis Blues Saloon webpage

https://www.facebook.com/WilebskisBluesSaloon/