By Andy Foltz
NKyTribune Reporter
The easiest comparison to make for Bryan McPherson is with Bob Dylan. Thought provoking lyrics coming from a one man act, standing on stage with a guitar, a harmonica and a message.
McPherson is not a modern day Dylan, though the influence is present. If you combined Dylan and Johnny Rotten to get intelligent lyrics that were also in-your-face rebellious, you’d be getting closer to what McPherson’s music is.
But that still doesn’t capture the slight Irish lilt that can be sometimes heard in the troubadour’s voice, nor does it give scope to the consciousness of the songs – McPherson isn’t rebelling to tear down, he’s trying to point out the things that will help build up those being left behind.
His recently released third album, “Wedgewood,” is filled with songs that combine the folk and punk genres. McPherson plays the angriest harmonica you will ever hear, which is something that takes a toll on his equipment.
“First, you have to use a Hohner. They’re not sponsoring me yet, but they should be,” he said, with a laugh. “Their harmonicas really scream. I have to buy new ones every four weeks. I’ve tried to look into how to repair them myself but it’s a bit more than I can handle on tour.
“I just try to play from the heart and do what the song calls for,” he added. “I just hammer on it – I want to deliver.”
A Boston native, McPherson now calls California home, and was present during “Tear Gas Tuesday,” when Oakland police fired tear gas and rubber bullets into protestors during the “Occupy Oakland” movement in 2011.
“It started out as a backdrop to the album,” McPherson said. “But the album is about all of the experiences I’ve had.”
The experience has come out in a couple songs on “Wedgewood,” namely “Here We Go,” a revolutionary anthem, and “Song From the Moon,” which features lyrics about revolutionary figures like Che Guevara and Jesus Christ.
“It seemed like there was a revolution happening,” he said. “It was global dissent by regular old people. It was crazy.”
Another song from “Wedgewood,” “Days of Rage,” has been well-received by audiences. He began playing it in while touring in Europe during the spring. The song title is inspired by the early days of the Russian Revolution, McPherson said, and the lyrics are about everything that is going on in America today.
“I was playing that song first in my set with the Dropkick Murphys,” he said. “People were screaming out the lyrics, and this was before the release. People are really connecting with this song.”
McPherson will be appearing at the Thompson House in Newport June 24. Tickets, which can be purchased there, are $10. This is his first time in the Cincinnati area following three years of touring across the United States, Canada and Europe.
“I’m glad it’s lining up this time,” he said of his visit. “I’m looking forward to being in a new place.”