Harlem Lake – Volition Live
Self-produced CD
13 songs – 73 minutes Europe has witnessed the rise of one of its most thrilling blues bands in the past decade — Harlem Lake from the Netherlands. The band's prowess was solidified in 2022 when they emerged victorious at the European Blues Challenge. Now, Harlem Lake celebrates not only their triumph but also their resurgence from the shadows of the COVID-19 crisis with the release of "Volition Live," a dynamic self-produced CD that captures the essence of their electrifying performance at the Culemborg Blues & Better Get Hit Festival last summer.
Harlem Lake, a core quintet, exhibits a flexibility that allows them to expand their lineup to include up to a dozen musicians and vocalists for special performances. The band traces its roots to the polder of Haarlem, where a talented trio — keyboard prodigy Dave Warmerham, guitarist Sonny Ray Van Den Berg, and vocalist Janne Timmer — formed the initial nucleus.
Their journey began about six years ago when Warmerham, at the age of 16, joined forces with Van Den Berg and Timmer, ultimately giving birth to Harlem Lake.
The band's lineup solidified with the addition of drummer Rick Van de Voort and bassist Lars Hoogland. Following their early success, including opening for Walter Trout, Harlem Lake built a significant following across Europe, performing at major clubs and festivals. The COVID-19 hiatus led to a reconfiguration of the band, with a new rhythm section — drummer Benjamin Torbijn and bassist Kjelt Ostendorf — joining the ranks. This evolution allowed Harlem Lake to expand their sonic horizons, drawing inspiration from diverse influences like Dire Straits, Little Feat, B.B. King, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and Joe Bonamassa.
"Volition Live" reflects this metamorphosis, featuring a blend of seven originals and six meticulously crafted covers. The album kicks off with "The River," a deliberate and cautionary rocker driven by Van Den Berg's slide guitar. The band's horn section takes center stage in the horn-fueled "Beware," originally a hit for Ann Peebles in 1975. Harlem Lake pays homage to jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson with a vibrant rendition of "Whiskey Drinking Woman."
The original compositions shine brightly, starting with the powerful rocker "Deaf & Blind," followed by the intensifying ballad "Guide Me Home" and the swinging soulfulness of "I Wish I Could Go Running." The set concludes with the slow-paced rocker "Please Watch My Bag," delivering a captivating narrative.
The covers are equally impressive, with Eric Clapton's "Got to Get Better in a Little While" leading the charge. The band ventures into soul territory with a reimagined version of O.V. Wright's "That's How Strong My Love Is" and pays homage to The Box Tops with a straightforward redo of "The Letter." Harlem Lake's originals "I Won't Complain" and "Jack in the Box" bookend their take on Tower of Power's "Don't Change Horses," bringing the set to a resounding close.
"Volition Live" captures Harlem Lake's exceptional performance, blending soulful vocals, masterful instrumentation, and an undeniable stage presence. The album is a testament to the band's resilience, artistry, and their well-deserved victory at the European Blues Challenge. For those eager to experience the magic, "Volition Live" is available through various online retailers, including Amazon, and directly from the band via their website. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Harlem Lake.
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