SlideMeister's Featured Artist - Brendan Power
I've known Brendan Power since 2000 and met him personally in Denver in 2002. Brendan Power is quite possibly one of the most gifted and innovative players on the planet. While there may be others with a better sound (and even that observation would have to be personally subjective) technically no one comes close. Though I might shock other Chromatic purists, Mr. Power is the only player who has actually managed to blur the Diatonic/ Chromatic lines. I've come to realize the reason others "say" what can be done in this particular arena is not because "they" can do it; but because Brendan does it. His being selected for Featured Artist does not translate as a paradigm shift in SlideMeister focus, but rather in recognizing a consummate artist. The man plays both, but unlike other artists, this guy will fool ya.
A.J.Fedor
 Brendan UK-based New Zealander Brendan Power is acknowledged by many as one of the most creative, skilled & versatile harmonica players around today. Equally at ease on both the earthy Blues Harp as well as the sophisticated Chromatic Harmonica, he tunes them to his own scales to create a highly original style. He has recorded fifteen solo CDs to date, in a wide variety of musical genres.
http://brendan-power.com/
Since he moved to Britain in 1992, Brendan’s eclectic skills and sympathetic ear have made him an in-demand session player, leading to live and recording work with artists such as Sting, James Galway, Van Morrison, Paul Young, Shirley Bassey, John Williams and many more. His playing is also heard on many Hollywood movie soundtracks and UK TV series. He’s featured on the Jools Holland Show and toured worldwide, performing in venues such as China’s Great Hall of the People and The Kremlin. In addition to his Pop, Jazz & Blues skills, Brendan is an expert player of Irish traditional music (winning the 1993 All Ireland Title), and performed for three years as soloist in the Riverdance Show. A respected harmonica technician & customiser, Brendan is employed by Suzuki Musical Instruments Co. of Japan as their International Harmonica Specialist.
"In Power are combined all the elements which make for a master player: remarkable technical skill, deep knowledge of the instrument, and a truly creative approach to the music. THE IRISH TIMES, Dublin.
"...Power plays both diatonic and chromatic single-reed harmonicas with extraordinary dexterity, at times enough to make you shake your head in wonder. He will harp blow your socks off." THE IRISH ECHO, New York.
"...dynamite Kiwi harp player...magic harmonica..." TIME OUT, London.
"Power's dexterity is breathtaking...he takes the harmonica along paths you never suspected it could go. World class and wide ranging music. NEW ZEALAND HERALD, Auckland.
"Brendan Power reaches astonishing heights of technical brilliance..." the GUARDIAN, London
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