Ben Harper Archives

Ben Harper’s “Steal My Kisses” is one of those great tunes, thanks in large part to bassist Juan Nelson. Here’s Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals performing the song on Austin City Limits. Dig Juan’s solo around the 3:13 mark.

Regular readers here know we’re big fans of Juan Nelson. So hearing him back with Ben Harper (& The Innocent Criminals) is a thrill. From the band’s latest release, Call It What It Is, here’s “Shine”. We hope they’re here to stay.

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals crafted a new album after reforming for a 2015 tour, and now, the band, featuring the inimitable Juan Nelson on bass, is touring behind that album, Call It What It Is. The Call It What It Is Tour kicks off June 23 at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington, and wraps up Dec. 4 at...

I’ve been listening to Ben Harper’s latest album, Call It What It Is, and loving it – especially with the return of the Innocent Criminals and Juan Nelson. That got me digging around for more, which brought me to this excellent cover of “When The Levee Breaks”, performed live at Jazz à Vienne on July 5, 2013. Harper’s Relentless7 bassist...

The inimitable Juan Nelson is back on record with Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals on the band’s first album in nine years, Call It What It Is. The band, which reunited to tour in 2015, recorded the album in a number of sessions over the course of a year. The resulting record covers subject matter ranging from aging to...

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals took the stage at Morrison, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre in September, and the reunited group brought out a special guest for one of their tunes. “It’s amazing when you can find your way as an adult to creatively collaborate with your parent,” Harper said. “So without further ado, Jeremy Nelson.” Jeremy is the son...

Ben Harper has reunited with The Innocent Criminals. Yours truly was thrilled when that news broke, because I’m a huge fan of bassist Juan Nelson (and Harper too). Here’s the group performing “Don’t Take That Attitude To Your Grave”. The footage comes from four different shows. Juan always makes things groove.

I’ve been spinning Ben Harper’s latest album – and his first collaboration with his mother Ellen – a lot lately. That album features Jesse Ingalls on double bass, who is part of Harper’s Relentless7 band. Here’s Ben with Ingalls and Relentless7 performing “By My Side” live the Machine Shop. Dig Ingalls’ Ric, and that sweet tone!