Album Notes

Jeff Benko Guitar, Vocals
Tom Ardolino, Drums
Jim Elliott, Bass
Guest-Terry Adams, Keyboards

Sometime back in 1998, Ohio native Jeff Benko and NRBQ’s Tom Ardolino were kicking around the idea of getting together for a long weekend to record Lou Christie songs on a 4-track recorder. It never happened, but by 2003 Benko had relocated to Western Massachusetts and Harper was born.

With Terry Adams guesting on keyboards, six tracks were cut in seven hours. The results would be released as “ Heard It Through The Bovine” on NRBQ’s Edisun label in late 2005.

A track off the record, “Nobody’s Angel”, became a staple on Bob Brianen’s WFMU radio show out of New Jersey.

Shortly after, Jim Elliott (formerly of St. Johnny and Red Door Exchange) joined on bass. A series of well received shows on the east coast followed, proving the Harper Revolution had begun.

In between gigs, Benko also scored an independent film, “The Invitation”, and was featured on the prestigious Pittsburgh based Woodlab Collective’s April ’07 compilation. Benko also performed on and co-produced several tracks for NRBQ leader Terry Adams’ solo project “Rhythm Spell”.

Harper is currently finishing a full length LP for release in late Spring 2008.

With rowdy live performances that have drawn comparisons to Television and The Kinks, 2008 looks to be The Year of The Harper.

Counting among their fans Jonathan Richman, The dB’s Peter Holsapple, and The Sun Ra Arkestra, Harper invites you to get in on the band Roctober magazine called “raucous, upbeat, and majestically creepy”.

If you can’t dig it, get yourself a shovel!

Your life.

I say they’ll change your life.

Viva Harper!!!

-Conrad Van Pelt
Winter ‘08