Catching Ben Harper on a particularly demanding morning of back-to-back interviews and associated occupational pandemonium, his cheery description of the day’s proceedings as ‘extra special’ perfectly encapsulates an unwavering optimism that underlays each of his words to ensue. It’s this positivity which forms the very foundations of his latest retrospective album, ‘By My Side’, a collection of hand-picked ‘optimistic ballads’.
Ben will bring his latest album live to Australian audiences in November, in what will be his first entirely solo and predominantly acoustic show.
“I’m bringing out new songs to the stage. I’m approaching songs that no one should. Like, no one should ever play ‘Hallelujah’ again!” he laughs, before taking on a somewhat more solemn tone. “But I’m doing it, mainly as a tribute to one of my favourite artists of all time – [Jeff Buckley] is the truth, the ultimate. So I’m getting to dig in different directions that have surprised me. I would never do ‘Hallelujah’ unless I thought I could actually do it in a way that I thought would be approved not only by Leonard [Cohen], but by Jeff in particular. It’s about setting the bar high. It would be really easy to get up and play two songs off ten records and have done the night, but really I want to reach out and play piano, play ukulele, play nylon-string guitar, do covers that are not easy or obvious.’
Perhaps partly influencing this bold new period of musical exploration were his recent collaborations with artists of widely diverse sounds.
“I just made a blues record [‘Get Up’] with one of the greatest blues musicians of all time – Charlie Musselwhite,” the normally chilled Ben bubbles, adding with boyish glee, “it’s coming out next January on Concord and it’s the best music I’ve been a part of in a long, long time – just so fun! I can’t wait to dig in and get at it with him next year.”
With regained composure but equal enthusiasm, he added, “I also just did a project with Leonard Hubbard, bass player from The Roots, and it pushed me out into some unchartered territory: the R&B realm. It was really fun! It took me by surprise, it caught me off-guard and challenged my instincts. And by challenging my instincts, it sort of brought some new instincts to me … it was a great time.”
While alluding to the probability of future musical experimentation, Ben seems in no hurry to launch into any radically new ventures just yet.
“I dunno, at this point I just look forward to touring. This tour is inspiring so much songwriting. I’m having the greatest time of my life touring on my own. It’s inspiring songs that I’d never have imagined to have come out, in different ways. Right now, I think I’m where I’m supposed to be. I don’t really want to have to reinvent the wheel at this stage. Not that I’m comfortable all of a sudden – ‘cos I’m not – but I’m just looking to go deeper into the well that I’ve already dug – and prevent it from becoming a grave.”
Indeed, passivity at any level doesn’t appear to be within the pro-active and spirited artist’s capabilities. Years of involvement with various political and human rights campaigns attest to his steadfast and passionate commitment, which shows no signs of slowing down. His recent between-gig appearance at the largest Anti-Wal-Mart Rally in history, staged in the iconic Chinatown area of his LA hometown, was one of many which helped generate a particularly incendiary media buzz and widespread support for the cause. The Chinese lion dancers and motorcycle brigade can’t have hurt either.
“I think it went as good as it could have,” the patriotic Angelean reports. “I don’t think there’s a Wal-Mart there yet, but you win some, you lose some – you’ve got to be prepared for both sides of that coin. I’m just glad to at least have some solidarity with them. Tom [Morello, of Rage Against The Machine] was there as well. We didn’t play together that day but we do that often for events like these.”
Though grateful for being in a position to help publicise such issues, Ben warily adds, “You can over-utilise it too. It’s a fine line, but I’ve always found that standing up is better than sitting down when it comes to what you believe in.” And with a sound like his, there really could be no better voice for a cause.
‘By My Side’ is out now. Spend An Acoustic Evening With Ben Harper at Brisbane Convention Centre on Friday November 9. Harper will also headline Byron Bay Bluesfest (March 28 - April 1).
