ERIN HARPE CBD (Country Blues Duo) with Jim Countryman

country blues at its very best... one of the finest fingerpicking acoustic blues singers in the land”

Frank Matheis, Living Blues Magazine

acoustic blues mastery that is seldom found these days”

Iain Patience, Bluestown Music NL

Erin Harpe has been called “one of the most dynamic, talented and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine. The singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader was recently named New England’s “Blues Artist of the Year”.

Once described as “Bonnie Raitt on modern performance enhancing drugs” for her work with her award-winning electric blues band Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, more recently Erin has been gaining attention as a celebrated acoustic guitarist and purveyor of 1920's and 30's finger-style country blues. Erin grew up learning the style from her dad, Neil Harpe, and watching local Piedmont blues luminaries such as John Cephas & Phil Wiggins, Archie Edwards, John Jackson, Eleanor Ellis, and Warner Williams, at Washington DC’s famed Archie’s Barbershop.

Erin gets back to her roots in acoustic blues for her new Country Blues Duo (a.k.a. “CBD”) with longtime partner/bassist Jim Countryman. Appropriately dubbed “shit-kicking blues” on a recent UK tour, the new duo creates a very full sound with their down-home duo, which features Erin on acoustic guitar, vocals, kazoo & foot percussion, with Jim on ukulele bass and backing vocals. Their energetic performances transport the audience to the Delta, with vintage classics by the likes of Memphis Minnie, Mississippi John Hurt, Tommy Johnson and Blind Blake – elevated by Erin's own interpretations, and mixed in seamlessly with original compositions and country blues takes on other popular songs. Erin Harpe CBD is a must-see roots act that will get any crowd moving – now accepting bookings for Spring/Summer 2022! (Contact us here for inquiries.)

Beyond her undeniable instrumental skill, this damsel is endowed with a tone as powerful as it is cheeky, and her man provides flawless rhythmic support. That we can still enjoy this kind of record in 2020 is almost enough to prove the existence of God!”

Patrick Dallongeville, Paris-Move

The group's new album, MEET ME IN THE MIDDLE, has been called “today’s country blues at its very best” by Living Blues Magazine, who crowned Erin “one of the finest fingerpicking acoustic blues singers in the land”! Following up a trio of successful albums with their band, the new self-produced album was recorded in Erin & Jim’s home studio during the pandemic lockdown (Philip Smith of Philly Cheeze Blues calling it “surely one of the best Covid-era blues albums I’ve heard”). The intimate album, widely loved by fans and critics alike, has solidified Erin’s place in the acoustic blues world, and beyond. Debuting at #13 on the Billboard Blues Chart, the album also made it to #6 on Relix/Jambands.com Radio Chart, #7 on iTunes Top US Blues Albums, #9 on North American College & Community Radio's Top 30 Blues Chart, #8 (Top 50 Contemporary Blues Albums) & #15 (Top Blues Albums) on Roots Music Report's Charts, and #17 on Living Blues Radio's Chart, also making several 2020 top 10 lists, and getting great reviews in many publications including MOJO and Living Blues Magazine!

The album features 10 tracks, including four self-penned songs, and Erin’s own interpretations of traditional tunes and songs by blues women from Memphis Minnie to Lucille Bogan, with styles ranging from traditional country blues and slide guitar to folk, gospel and Zydeco.

Erin and Jim have toured all over the US and Europe, and opened for many great blues artists including Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Honeyboy Edwards, and Roomful of Blues – and Erin even got to open for ZZ Top (solo)! Besides performing, Erin is also an educator, and has taught workshops on country blues guitar in the US (including the Augusta Heritage Center’s Blues & Swing Week) and Europe, and has released an instructional video through Stefan Grossman’s Guitar Workshop entitled “Women of the Country Blues”.

Erin Harpe deserves to be accorded a spot along with Rory Block and just a few others in the high echelons of acoustic blueswomen”

Steve Daniels, Big City Blues Magazine

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