Above: Ben Harper. Photo Credit: Michael Halsband.
Singer-songwriter extraordinaire Ben Harper has gifted the music world with his highly anticipated studio album, “WIDE OPEN LIGHT,” available now via Chrysalis Records. This mesmerizing collection showcases Harper’s recent releases, including the soulful collaboration “Yard Sale” featuring the talented Jack Johnson, the profound anthem “Love After Love,” and his latest single, the awe-inspiring “Masterpiece.”
Serving as the follow-up to his GRAMMY-nominated masterpiece “BLOODLINE MAINTENANCE,” “WIDE OPEN LIGHT” is a harmonious family of songs, where each track resonates intimately with the next. Harper deliberately adopts a minimalist approach, allowing the songs themselves to shine and carry the weight of the production. “There was once a time when albums didn’t need an adjacent story or fable. When the songs were enough,” Harper explains. “I’m thrilled to return to that essence.”
Produced by the talented Ben Harper alongside his long-standing collaborative partners, including the brilliant guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jason Mozersky, and the esteemed Danny Kalb, known for his exceptional work on Ben’s previous albums “BOTH SIDES OF THE GUN” and “LIFELINE,” “WIDE OPEN LIGHT” boasts additional special guests. Jack Johnson joins forces with Harper, lending his distinctive vocals and guitar prowess to the mesmerizing “Yard Sale,” while the enchanting Shelby Lynne graces the track “8 Minutes,” and the soulful Piers Faccini leaves his mark on the title track “Wide Open Light.”
The lead single from the album, “Yard Sale,” takes listeners on an emotional journey, following a man through the final blurry stages of a breakup. Each verse deepens the chasm between the couple, pushing them further beyond reach or repair. By the song’s conclusion, confusion reigns supreme, leaving the protagonist more bewildered than when the song began. “Love After Love,” the second single, beautifully illustrates love as an infinite and renewable resource, while “Masterpiece” resonates powerfully, drawing poignant parallels between the act of love and the creation of a work of art.
Harper’s musical prowess extends beyond his latest album, as he recently graced the small screen in the AppleTV+ series “Extrapolations.” Set in a near-future world grappling with the embedded effects of climate change, this fictional drama boasts an impressive all-star cast featuring luminaries such as Meryl Streep, Kit Harington, and Forest Whitaker.
Ben Harper’s captivating presence has not gone unnoticed by the media. He recently appeared as a guest on The Jennifer Hudson Show, offering insights into his new album and his role in “Extrapolations.” Additionally, Harper took center stage as Harper Bazaar’s Music Director for the month’s issue, solidifying his position as a multifaceted artist. Notable media outlets, including CBS Mornings, ABC News, SPIN, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, and Apple Music’s Radio 1 with Zane Lowe, have all recognized Harper’s undeniable talent and sought to share his captivating story.
Following the release of “WIDE OPEN LIGHT,” Harper is set to embark on an extensive European summer tour, followed by select dates alongside The Chicks. And that’s not all—fans in the United States can look forward to a string of headlining dates this fall, kicking off in Richmond, VA on September 29th. The tour will grace cities such as Portland, ME, Buffalo, NY, Cincinnati, OH, Milwaukee, WI, and more. Moreover, Harper is set to ignite the stage at the Oceans Calling Music Festival, Sound on Sound Music.
For more information on Ben Harper, please visit www.benharper.com.
