Harper's still in great Nick (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Harper's still in great Nick

10:10am Saturday 6th March 2010 in

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UK SINGER-songwriter Nick Harper is part of a great line-up of live music coming to Central Studio this spring.

As the son of musician Roy Harper, it was only natural for Harper junior to forge a career in the industry, and 15 years down the line he is as enthusiastic as ever.

“I still get that excitement before going on stage and from making songs up – sometimes they really move me and I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile. Fifteen years ago I was working in Oddbins dreaming of making CDs!”

Harper, who has just recorded his 10th album The Last Guitar, made his recording debut on his father’s 1985 album Whatever Happened to Jugula?

He said: “My dad was on the road quite a lot as a kid so my major contact with him was through his records.

“I play acoustic guitar solo, and I sing whatever comes to me really, I have all sorts of influences – from Brahms’ Violin Concerto, when I’m at my most pompous, to post-punk at my silliest, and all the steps in between.”

The 12 tracks on his latest album were inspired by everything from Obama’s election to his daughter and he delights in the fact that neither he, or his album, can be pigeon-holed.

Looking forward to his trip to Basingstoke on March 28, Harper added: “I played there on my tour last year. It was a great night, a great atmosphere, and we had some good banter.”

Basingstoke musician Nadeen White will be appearing with Harper and the gig kicks off at 8pm.

Tickets, which are priced at £10, or £8.50 with conces-sions, are available from the box office on 01256 418318, or online at centralstudio.co.uk