In addition
to writing the bulk of reviews and articles for the website
I also occasionally do other blues related writing. A number
of the website reviews have been published in other periodicals
plus I have written liner notes and essays for a number
of projects. If you would like to use any articles on the
website or are looking for a writer for a blues related
project please send an e-mail.
Recent writings/projects
(files open as word documents):
 Encyclopedia
Of The Blues
(2005): The Encyclopedia of the Blues is the first
comprehensive two-volume set devoted to the blues
from its antecedents in African and American traditional
music to the contemporary styles performed today for
audiences of all races and classes. In over 2,100
entries all aspects of the blues are explored from
performers and musical styles to record labels and
cultural issues, including regional evolution and
history. Entries range from brief, fact-based summaries
to comprehensive, analytical articles. 15 artists
biographies written by Jeff Harris including entries
on Bumble Bee Slim, Doctor Clayton, Lafayette Thomas,
Earl Hooker, Pee Wee Crayton and Jimmy "T-99"
Nelson.
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 Blues,
Blues Christmas (2005):
11 page booklet written by Jeff Harris who also compiled
all the tracks for the Document label. A comprehensive
collection of jazz, blues, boogie-woogie and gospel
recordings dedicated to the season. With lively Boogie-woogie
and R & B, reflective blues and the odd cautionary
sermon thrown in for good moral measure, this double
CD covers all the bases. Collects 52 numbers spanning
from 1925 to 1955, many of which have not been anthologized
before. Artists include Bessie Smith, Leroy Carr,
Rev. J.M. Gates, Butterbeans & Susie, Lonnie Johnson,
Roy Milton, Larry Darnell, Cecil Gant, Lightnin' Hopkins
and many, many others.
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 Prowling
With The Nighthawk (2005):
10 page booklet written by Jeff Harris including previously
unpublished research for the Document label. Robert
Nighthawk was one of the blues premier slide guitarists
playing with a subtle elegance and a fluid, crystal
clear style that was instantly recognizable. Nighthawk
influenced a generation of artists including Muddy
Waters, B.B. King, Earl Hooker and Elmore James. This
CD collects 26 sides spanning from 1937 to 1952 cut
for Bluebird, Decca, United/States and Aristocrat.
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 Keith
Harden: The Bad Dog Blues Sessions
(2005): The basic tracks were performed live by Keith
Harden on "The Bad Dog Blues" radio show
WITR 89.7 FM, Rochester, NY on three separate dates,
January 24th, 2004, September 26th, 2004 and July
10th, 2005. The show was co-hosted by Gary Reinhard
and Jeff Harris [engineer and blues historian]. Overdubbing
and remixing were done at Pleasant Street Studio,
Geneva, NY. Available at all of Keith’s live gigs.
More details at the Keith Harden website.
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