Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite: 2018

Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite and roots rocker Ben Harper have released their second collaboration, a powerful new album called No Mercy In This Land.

Although they have known each other for about 20 years, introduced to one another by John Lee Hooker, it’s only over the past five years that the two friends have made music together.

Over 50 years ago, Musselwhite, a native of Mississippi, released his first album, the seminal Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Musselwhite’s Southside Band. The California-bred Harper debuted 24 years ago on his debut album, Welcome To The Cruel World. Despite the generational gap, the two artists mesh perfectly to bring the blues to places rarely heard in music today. On their new release, Harper and Musselwhite dig deep within themselves to the darker parts of their souls, facing troubles and excising demons.

No Mercy In This Land is the follow up to their first album, the Grammy-winning Get Up!, released in 2013. On this FUV Live session, the two pals talk about why they love making music together.

[recorded: 3/5/18]

More:

• Words & Music with Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite: 2013