A Bootlegger’s Son
American folk rock story of family and alcohol in early Oregon — Brian Harrison, Composer & Musical Director
Brian Harrison’s latest musical project, A Bootlegger’s Son, is a vivid mixed media walk through time. Coupled with emotive imagery, the songs evoke many moods, telling the story of Oregon’s wild past through the eyes of 2 children. A Bootlegger’s Son take you on an impassioned journey: A single violin gently guides your steamship to shore. A banjo takes you on a foot-stomping moonshine chase by a would-be suitor. A crescendo crash of cymbals and keys shakes your heart with the finality of a gunshot.
A story set to music taking place at a turn of the century era, A family must immigrate from Europe to Portland and its from the perspective of a young brother and sister who endure unthinkable events and struggle to overcome the darkness of greed, alcohol, abuse and must save their grandfathers fortune.
A Bootlegger’s Son coalesced from a merge of Brian Harrison’s interest in Oregon history and his folk-rock sensibilities. His classical training in piano and guitar shines in these elegant compositions, strengthened by his extensive and diverse background as a multi-genre artist. Come experience the culmination of Brian Harrison’s 30+ years of performance, study, teaching, and collaboration.
A Bootlegger’s Son – a staged musical theatre workshop performance:
Wed. Sept 12 and Tues. Sept 18 at 7:00 PM – Headlee Mainstage. Lakewood Center for the Arts
CLICK HERE to order tickets online. Advance tickets $30, at door $35.
Brian Harrison — Biography
For over 30 years, in addition to studio projects, Brian has been a working musician, having shared stages with the likes of The Black Crows, Loverboy, and Ratt. Raised in a music-supportive home, he found encouragement and inspiration from his prolific older siblings, pianist and composer Michael Allen Harrison, and his concert flutist sister Linda Harrison. Brian pays that support forward, teaching music to young students.
Brian’s no stranger to emotional compositions. In the exceptional melodic Glam Rock band Dirty Rhythm, Brian’s keyboard and lead guitar contributions were iconic. The debut album, produced by Loverboy guitarist Paul Dean, included the hit single of the day, “Feel the Fire.” Brian debuted his interest in folk rock with his band, Brian Harrison and The Last Draw, with an eclectic mix of mostly original Americana, Alternative Country, Rock and Blues styles.
If you’ve got a favorite rock band, Brian has probably played one of their songs to a crowd of fans. From Prince and Michael Jackson to The Cult and David Bowie, Brian has played in many tribute and cover bands, mastering the guitar leads of many great musicians. This diversity shows in his own instrumentation. His stirring guitar work on Andrew Paul Woodworth’s latest album Drinks To Sleep contributed to a powerful compilation of moving Indie Rock, signed to ML1 Records.
Brian Harrison’s latest album, A Bootlegger’s Son, is his most focused and moving material to date.
To learn more about Brian Harrison’s project, visit facebook.com/ABootleggersSon. Additional information on Brian’s work and discography can be found at BrianHarrisonMusic.com.