Bleeding Harp

As the blurb says, “A new harmonica slinger in town!” A matter of opinion, I know, but the blues is a North American music form, and few interpret it better than New Jersey’s Paul Vallis-possessed of fine blues tonsils and parping a mean harp says “Noggin”. This is an outstanding CD: short on its number of tracks but long on entirely self-penned quality songs. This tight band, (the rest are from U.K.), give us the live feel of authentic rhythm and blues. “Hard Way”, a powerful if embittered song, gives way to the slow blues and excellent harp of “Fruit Cake”. A nod to the Fabulous Thunderbirds in “At the End of the Line” is followed by the menace of the title Track. The CD ends with the story of the bleedingHARP.
In a word...stonking!...book’em quick.

- BLUES MATTERS Feb 2001

This four-piece blues band pushes hard and fast with an intuitve sense of excitement. Combining the strengths of harmonica, guitar, bass and drums, Bleeding Harp covers a few traditional pieces and forges ahead with contemporary blues/rock sounds. Guitarist Jeff Marshall folds the band’s harmony together and rips off a few powerful solo licks to add emphasis. Paul Vallis sings twelve of the album’s thirteen pieces, as James Kirk provides a solid bass foundation and drummer Bobby Jarzombeck syncopates with alacrity. But it’s Vallis’ blues harp that serves as the band’s centerpiece and works out as its strongest feature. His searing melodies and sustained phrases serve as a thread that weaves itself through the program.
Formed over ten years ago in England, this local band oozes with hot pride. The album’s lone instrumental number, “Creeper Returns,” digs in solidly and lifts you up by your shirt collar. Vallis and Marshall fog the windows with the steam that escapes from their instruments. Together, the band members give their audience a complete program that’s filled with contemporary hues and rollicking blues. Audio samples from the album may be found online.
Start your search at www.bleedingharp.com
-- Jim Santella
- SOUTHLAND BLUES August 2004

Bleeding Harp is singer/harpist Paul Vallis, guitarist Clayton Moss, bassist Alex Santoni and drummer Tony Hopkins. Vallis, a New Jersey native who's based in London, leads the band. The others sing backup. Their interpretations, all originals, merge contemporary with the Blues. While his storytelling isn't convincing, Vallis casts a long shadow as an entertainer. After all, in England he's a well-known actor, comedian and impressionist.
With his Blues band, Vallis can play the part with taste, using common sense. What's missing is the passion. On Blues harp, however, Vallis burns up the stage. His instrumental interludes and Moss's guitar romps make a winning formula. After a well-planned full band intro to "Hi & Lo," Vallis sings about looking "high and low" for you. "You say you're gonna be there...it still don't mean a damn thing to you." Then, harp and guitar solos give the song it's true meaning, as they both kick off their shoes, take a devil-may-care attitude, and run with it to greener pastures.
The final track, "Bleeding Harp," features lyrics about "looking for a good time." It suits their music even better. After all, Bleeding Harp remains a fun loving band that romps casually over relaxed Blues. Their instrumental cameraderie serves as a cure for the Blues.

-----Jim Santella

- SOUTHLAND BLUES May 2002

"Great up front rollicking
Harmonica with a very modern
feel...a very tight band.
BleedingHARP always give value
for money and their musicianship is
an inspiration to others, me
included. Long may they continue to
grace the Blues circuit here and
in Europe.
Bill Smith, Blueprint 99
- BLUEPRINT