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Hard Bargain
"More Than You Bargained For"
The Bass Guy Records
Hard Bargain has been a solid blues band, they are a local favorite available for gigs and parties. Twice they were a 6th place runner-up for our Battle of The Bands competition. Rarely does a real R & B band come up with something original to say. Michael Cohen, producer and bassist, obviously sold himself to the devil to make this recording.
Opening with the title tune "More Than You Bargained For" co-written by Eric Williams, and Michael Cohen they set the tone for an impressive set. The sub-title and lyric "Listen Mr. Alligator" is aimed at none other than Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records as they try to tell him that they've arrived; and they have. "Ain't No Brakeman", written by Fontaine Brown was included on John Mayall's "Spinning Coin" album released back in 1995 and Hard Bargain does a great version here.
What follows is the first of three Jon and Sally Tiven authored tunes. John and Sally Tiven have produced and co-written with Wilson Pickett, Little Milton, and Ellis Hooks. Well Jon and Sally wrote these never released songs that appear here, but that seems to be the extent of their involvement. "If You Feel For Me" should be chosen for airplay, it's that good. The horn arrangement and Arthur Canady's vocal are both outstanding. "Just Got Back From Baby's" is from ZZ Top.
"Pop This Pill" is sub-titled the Viagra song, and it is damn right serious. Vocalist Arthur Canady wrote and sings this tribute song; he exceeds his range so to speak. This is another song that should receive a lot of "play". "Forget About It" is the other Arthur Canady original. "Who's Making Love?" is the Homer Banks classic that was a hit for Johnny Taylor. "Watch Dog" is an old Lonnie Brooks tune. "Too Weak To Fight" comes from Clarence Carter. "Birthday Blues" is another of the Jon and Sally Tiven authored songs, and the smoky, murky horn arrangements are perfect. "White Honey" comes from Graham Parker. "Sittin On A Time Bomb", is the third Jon and Sally Tiven authored tune and last on the album. It is a "topical" song.
Hard Bargain consists of Arthur Canady, lead vocals; Alan Grossinger, rhythm guitar; Michael Cohen, bass; Ron Duncan, drums; Rafik Cezanne, tenor saxophone; Dave Falcone, lead and slide guitars; Eric Williams, trumpet and horn arrangements; Bill Blend, keyboards; and Mike Corrado, alto saxophone. This is without a doubt the most improved local band I've heard this year and I believe this album should get them some attention and a bunch of gigs. Hard Bargain is much "More Than You Bargained For". More information on them is available at their website www.hardbargainblues.com. Be sure to catch them!
Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com - NY Blues & Jazz Society Director
Hard Bargain
"More Than You Bargained For"
The Bass Guy Records
Hard Bargain has been a solid blues band, they are a local favorite available for gigs and parties. Twice they were a 6th place runner-up for our Battle of The Bands competition. Rarely does a real R & B band come up with something original to say. Michael Cohen, producer and bassist, obviously sold himself to the devil to make this recording.
Opening with the title tune "More Than You Bargained For" co-written by Eric Williams, and Michael Cohen they set the tone for an impressive set. The sub-title and lyric "Listen Mr. Alligator" is aimed at none other than Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records as they try to tell him that they've arrived; and they have. "Ain't No Brakeman", written by Fontaine Brown was included on John Mayall's "Spinning Coin" album released back in 1995 and Hard Bargain does a great version here.
What follows is the first of three Jon and Sally Tiven authored tunes. John and Sally Tiven have produced and co-written with Wilson Pickett, Little Milton, and Ellis Hooks. Well Jon and Sally wrote these never released songs that appear here, but that seems to be the extent of their involvement. "If You Feel For Me" should be chosen for airplay, it's that good. The horn arrangement and Arthur Canady's vocal are both outstanding. "Just Got Back From Baby's" is from ZZ Top.
"Pop This Pill" is sub-titled the Viagra song, and it is damn right serious. Vocalist Arthur Canady wrote and sings this tribute song; he exceeds his range so to speak. This is another song that should receive a lot of "play". "Forget About It" is the other Arthur Canady original. "Who's Making Love?" is the Homer Banks classic that was a hit for Johnny Taylor. "Watch Dog" is an old Lonnie Brooks tune. "Too Weak To Fight" comes from Clarence Carter. "Birthday Blues" is another of the Jon and Sally Tiven authored songs, and the smoky, murky horn arrangements are perfect. "White Honey" comes from Graham Parker. "Sittin On A Time Bomb", is the third Jon and Sally Tiven authored tune and last on the album. It is a "topical" song.
Hard Bargain consists of Arthur Canady, lead vocals; Alan Grossinger, rhythm guitar; Michael Cohen, bass; Ron Duncan, drums; Rafik Cezanne, tenor saxophone; Dave Falcone, lead and slide guitars; Eric Williams, trumpet and horn arrangements; Bill Blend, keyboards; and Mike Corrado, alto saxophone. This is without a doubt the most improved local band I've heard this year and I believe this album should get them some attention and a bunch of gigs. Hard Bargain is much "More Than You Bargained For". More information on them is available at their website www.hardbargainblues.com. Be sure to catch them!
Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com - NY Blues & Jazz Society Director
Discography
2 CD's released:
2002: Hard Bargain
2006: More Than You Bargained For
2 tracks are in rotation with Music Choice (digital cable TV music channels), and many receive airplay on stations worldwide.
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Bio
Hard Bargain has been performing a wide range of blues and soul, with the fat R&B grooves of the ‘60s and beyond. Soulful lead singer “King Arthur” Canady is often compared to Sam Cooke, Robert Cray and Otis Redding.
Canady and Hard Bargain have been active on the New York blues scene, performing at the Bitter End, Le Bar Bat, Kenny's Castaways, The Roxy, the famous Cotton Club, Stanhope House and many other venues throughout the NY-NJ area. In 2002, after releasing their debut CD, Hard Bargain played for a packed Blues 2000&2 Festival in the Catskills.
In 2006, HB opened for zydeco giant, Chubby Carrier, sponsored by the Bucks Co. Blues Society.
Hard Bargain’s music includes originals and remakes from such artists as Bobby Bland, Freddie King, Little Milton, Johnnie Taylor, Rufus Thomas and others.
The group began in the mid '90s as Natural Causes, founded by guitarist Alan Grossinger. In 2000, the name was changed to Hard Bargain, and the lineup expanded to include horns & keys. Today, Hard Bargain is an 8-piece powerhouse, described by many as “the real deal.”
The band’s debut CD has sold in 18 countries and across 38 states, and is still available at CD Baby, iTunes, and most online services.
Hard Bargain’s latest release, “More Than You Bargained For,” includes new originals by the group as well as Grammy nominee Jon Tiven, who has written and produced for Robert Cray, B.B. King, and the late Little Milton and Wilson Pickett.
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