Hard Swimmin' Fish

HSF are Demain Lewis; guitar, banjo and vocals, Waverly Millor; harmonica and vocals, Jason Walker; drums and percussion with Randy Ball supplying a stalwart upright and electric bass. These gentlemen are from Frederick, Maryland and have been playing their mixture of raw, almost primal backwoods blues with a powerful heady dose of swing for almost twenty years; with this, their fifth album they must surely now garner well deserved attention. To create and maintain their rudimentary and rural ambience they use either genuine nineteen thirties/fifties microphones and amps or suitable equipment cloned to achieve this wonderful effect.

During the twelve numbers here the pleasantly rasping, raw vocals seem to genially contain elements ranging between Howlin’ Wolf and a discordant blurred old fashioned transistor radio, add to that a rather engaging basic Sun Studios atmosphere, and there you have the perfect aural concoction. Sitting in the control room maintaining this distinctive sound is Mitch Easter, the man who ensured that R.E.M.s sound was so distinctive and unique.

So, here we are in our ramshackle tin and timber dancehall and the starkly haunting “True Believer”, blares out of the speakers with the strings of the guitar and bass seemingly made out of slack elastic bands, creating a pleasantly infectious staggered rolling pace that underpins a distant sounding wheezing, moaning harmonica over which a disappointed phlegmatic vocal bemoans a failed belief. The driving harmonica on “Five Years Hard Labor”, is keenly followed by a richly twisting and attention grabbing guitar while, the pressing percussion work is determinedly chased by an open, rattling bassline. “Mess Around”, is quite simply, a barnstorming heads down rockabilly blaster with flailing guitar, bass and drums busting a gut to the finish with an unabashed swirling harmonica leading the highly enjoyable foot-tapping chase. The uplifting gospel “Don’t Let the Devil Ride”, is played in the spirit of Howlin’ Wolf with a laconic rambling bass in the forefront while loose limbed and pounding drum work underpins a quietly raging guitar and harmonica pairing. “Need Your Love So Bad”, is a starkly splendid aching slowburner that is given that extra spine tingling twitchiness by the sublime organ work of John Sharrer. The laidback vocal is subtlety supported by mellow, rich guitar and sympathetic drum work. The rendition here of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Howlin’ For My Darlin’”, may still be faithful to the original but, its bright and breezy approach delivers a joyously splendid rockabilly swinging feel to it, which means you earnestly and unconsciously tap your toes to it.

Greatly Endorsed!
Brian Harman - Blues in the South (UK)

Authentic. From the start of the first track, which is the CD's title song, "True Believer", through the final track, a traditional song called "Don't Let The Devil Ride", the word "authentic" stuck with me. This blues quartet records as they perform live; with energy, road proven skill, purpose and always thoroughly entertaining!

The combination of passionate vocals, harmonica, drums, stand up bass and resonator guitar, sometimes played with a slide, is nothing like a standard bar band. The Hard Swimmin' Fish are the real deal. You will not be disappointed.

Les Hatley
Wammie Award winner, Maryland Entertainment Hall Of Fame inductee and long-time member of the Songwriters' Association of Washington Board of Directors. - Les Hatley

"True Believer", the excellent new release from Hard Swimmin' Fish, sounds simultaneously old and new. Overdriven vocals and harmonica give this record the edge of one recorded decades ago. Likely recorded with vintage analog gear, it has the warmth of an old record, but stands up proudly against any modern record. The original songs hold their own, and even surpass, the four time-tested cover songs on the record. "No Shortage of the Blues" stands out as a stellar song, and one impossible to listen to without bobbing one's head."

Cletus Kennelly
11 time Wammie award winning singer-songwriter - Cletus Kennelly

New exciting CD just released by Hard Swimming Fish, our CVBS brother Waverly Milor's Band. HSF has been together now for close to 20 years and with this being there 5th CD release in recent years, many are saying this is their best so far!! True Believer is HSF's 2nd CD produced and recorded by the great Mitch Easters (REM fame) and you can tell by the authentic sound produced on this CD. It has an almost old timey feeling with a high quality production that is hard to resist playing over and over again in the Car CD Player!. With Vocal and guitar work from Demian Lewis, Vocals and Harmonica from Waverly Milor with as strong of a rhythm section you could ask for with Randy Ball on upright Bass and Jason Walker on Cajon, pots, pans and anything else that will make noise, you will be entertained on how these 4 come together to bring one unique and authentic Blues sound from their music.

The title song on this CD (and the first song) puts you right in the mood for the rest of the CD. Hard driving, haunting reverb authentic recording that puts you in deep Mississippi on a hot summer day. Some of my other favorites off the CD are Howlin Wolf's Howlin for My Darlin with almost rockabilly twist to the melody that really works. Demian's guitar work is particularly great as through out the whole CD. An original, Ooh that was Close, is a humorous lyrical venture sung by Waverly that has your feet tapping hanging on to find out how the story ends. One surprise on the CD is the slow (with organ) blues of Need Your Love So Bad sung incredibly well by Waverly Milor. Waverly is know for his hard driving blues, it is great to hear his softer side!! But my Favorite on the CD is The Gospel, Don't Let The Devil Ride, that HSF takes it to an updated hard moving Blues rattler. The song starts with Randy playing the melody on upright and the rest of the band coming in strong. Great emotion and feel. Some amazing percussion from Jason through the CD.

I am pretty hard of new blues coming out, but have to say overall I think HSF has caught something that many bands are missing these days. New updated lyrics with drive and old timey feel. Go get you a copy and there is a surprise in the CD if you listen real closely!!! Well Done HSF!! - Central Virginia Blues Society

Four piece white boys with the blues that have been kicking around Virginia for the last 20 years pair up with lo-fi meister Mitch Easter for a primitive sounding date that keeps it raw and wild. Rocked up outer edge blues, this sounds like something that was recorded a long time ago when college coffeehouses stalked the earth and filled it with organic sounds---but it’s recorded in the now. It’ll probably be too raw for many, but the level of chops powering the proceeding will generate cult passion as it throws off sparks with the real true believers. Check it out.

Chris Spector - Midwest Record Volume 39/Number 295

If you’ve ever strolled down Market Street on one of Leesburg’s First Fridays, chances are you’ve heard the lively tunes of Hard Swimmin’ Fish wafting on the breeze. The Frederick, MD-based old-time blues quartet brings its eclectic, high-energy show to the Bluemont Concert Series’ courthouse concert for the second year in a row Sunday July 6.

The band, known for its retro style—think wingtips and pork pie hats—plays a mix of old school blues styles, from Mississippi country blues, Piedmont, Chicago, New Orleans second line and beyond. Band members have a penchant for taking little known blues songs and giving them their own flair, thanks to drummer Jason Walker’s world music percussion influences, bassist Randy Ball’s technique and singer/guitarist Demian Lewis’ arrangements, harmonica player/vocalist Waverly Milor said.

“It gives the song a different twist,” Milor said. “Demian’s so skilled at taking an old song and keeping the essence and updating it.”

The band has become ubiquitous in Loudoun, with its popular First Friday gig at the Cajun Experience and regular appearances at area wineries, and has cultivated a significant local following through word of mouth and social media.

With its burgeoning restaurant and winery scene, Loudoun has been a good fit for the band, which performs plugged in or acoustic, depending on the venue.

The band’s original three members—Lewis, Walker and Ball—grew up in Montgomery County, MD, and played music together for years before forming Hard Swimmin’ Fish a dozen years ago. Milor connected with the group as stage manager of the Frederick Blues Festival and joined the band in 2008. Members are spread out across the tri-state area, though Lewis’ home in Frederick is the band’s base of operations.

Lewis also is a prolific songwriter and the band has a sizeable repertoire of originals, which it will be busting out at Bluemont.
“It’s the most high-energy, fun show and they work so well with the kids,” according to Bluemont Concert Series Executive Director Lily Dunning.

The band’s infectious energy is popular with fans of all ages, and members adapt their set list based on the venue. As part of its arrangement with Bluemont, the group also will perform at a retirement home Sunday afternoon, and the courthouse concert is a favorite of band members who enjoy the all-ages vibe.
“It’s part of who we are as a group…I love the fact that kids love to dance when we’re playing,” Milor, who teaches special education at an elementary school in Charlottesville, said. “The band is very energetic and we really engage the audience. We make it feel like it’s a party. We draw people in and give them permission to have a good time.” - Jan Mercker - Leesburg Today

“One Step Forward is an album of what happens when you bring multiple talented musicians from different Blues Flavors and put them together - Magic!! Not your everyday blues, the CD is jammed packed with high energy blues tunes that touch on Jazz, Jump Blues, Hill Country Blues, Chicago and even a little delta influences in there. The CD rolls along very well and was produced and recorded at the highest of industry standards.

The Guitarist/Singer of the band leads the bands through twists and turns like going through the backroads of Mississippi. I particularly like his vocals and guitar work on the first song on the CD, what a way of starting this energy packed project. Waverly Milor is the talented Singer/Harpist that brings his diverse love of all music into each song. His original Blind Love has always been a favorite of mine and their arrangement of Shake em on down is brilliant. Rounding out the group is Jason Walker on Cajon and other contraptions and Randy Ball on upright. Both that really lay down the foundation for the band.

Nothing but good things to say about this CD and band. Not your typical blues shuffle bands (not that there is anything wrong with that), but if your looking for something lively and new, this is it.” - Sedalia Blues Society

“Got the CD and didn't realize Demian was in Hard Swimmin' Fish! That's great, been hearing about those guys, so I was delighted to listen...here's some of my impressions:

Great muscular stripped down grooves, rock solid upright playing! Randall's bass could have been a little hotter in the mix (as it seemed to be in "Blind Love")...but that's a bass player talkin'! Love Jason's rim shot sound on the drums, the CD starts with it and I found myself enjoying it whenever it appeared....not too much...but just right.(It scared the livin' bejabbers out of me and our 2 parrots! When I put the CD on the gain was a little too high. I'm writing this from the E.R.) The solos were delightful departures from the usual blues cliche' riddled stuff that's out there these days. Waverly makes every note and tonal opportunity count during his harp solos, and has the rare ability to hold down a supportive groove behind vocals and solos, where many harp players tend to blow willy-nilly over same. In fact, the band displays great restraint throughout, without sacrificing exuberance! Demian's guitar really surprised! Partially 'cos I've known him since he was young, yet had no idea how far he's come! Good work Demian!! His guitar solos are mini-journeys that totally bypass the "grab bag of hackneyed guitar licks" for the satisfying phrases that are honest, communicative and clever. The vocals are handled admirably, in a sort of Bob Hite/ Johnny Winter-esque "shout it" style, "Can't Judge a Book" sounds like you got Bo to do the vocal before he expired! Howdjudodat? My only nitpick is some of the vocal lines could use an infusion of melody, "Blind Love" for instance , the vocalist could have stretched it out a little more, seeking a little more of the inherent melody. A very enjoyable listening experience! If they ever let me up off the mat, I'd like to check these guys out!!” - Johnny Castle (bass player for the Nighthawks)

When I hear or read the name Mitch Easter, thoughts of a certain kind of music fill my head. The Winston-Salem-based producer/musician was a key part of the success of R.E.M., The dB’s and his own band, Let’s Active. And that’s only naming three from a much longer list. And while all those bands had/have their own sonic personality, they do share a certain sensibility.

All of this makes Hard Swimmin’ Fish‘s One Step Forward a bit unexpected. This electric blues quartet from Frederick, Maryland plays a swinging style of blues that relies on the sonic textures found in hollowbody electric guitar, snare-centric drumming, solid doghouse bass playing, overdriven harp wailing and soulful vocals. And none of that has anything to do with producer Mitch Easter.

At least I didn’t think so until I heard One Step Forward. The brief band-penned liner notes explain that the band generally employs a DIY approach, but that this time ’round they wanted something different. I haven’t heard any of their earlier self-produced material, but one listen to the album makes it clear that Easter knew what to do: set up the mics, get the levels, and then get the hell out of the way. And if that’s not how it went down, it’s how it sounds. The production never calls attention to itself.

The band’s twelve tunes (mostly originals with a few standards mixed in) are successful at holding interest while remaining safely within the (occasionally restrictive) blues idiom. The album highlight is “Hear Your Mama Calling” with its extended blistering lead guitar solo, but all the tracks are good. They swing, they swagger, they deliver. - Musoscribe: Bill Kopp's Music Blog

They have the uncanny knack of hooking you right off the bat with the down and dirty boogie of “Put Me Down” and never disappointing your expectations the rest of the way. The music is like a roadmap of the blues – zigzagging from Bourbon Street ramble to west Texas squonk to smoky Chicago juke joint, sliding down to a Mississippi porch sweating over a bottle of cheap gin. - music Morsels Reviews

Hard Swimmin' Fish - 'One Step Forward' (Self-Released, 2014) www.hardswimminfish.com
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Best band name I came across this year? Probably, yes. Here's how they introduce themselves: Hard Swimmin' Fish is a blues quartet that has been honing their unique sound for over twenty years. They put a fresh spin on old school blues and roots music. The band plays a range of styles covering the country blues of Mississippi and The Piedmont, the urban blues of Chicago and funk infused varieties with roots in New Orleans' second line. This versatility allows Hard Swimmin' Fish to offer either acoustic or electric performances.
The juxtaposition of old and new is also evident in both the band members and their playlist. The work of guitarist/vocalist Demian Lewis and harmonica player/vocalist Waverly Milor is deeply rooted in traditional styles and is powered by the sophisticated rhythms of drummer/percussionist Jason Walker and the virtuosity of bassist Randy Ball. Together they churn out a vibrant combination of originals, rearranged traditional material and recognizable standards.
The band has cultivated a significant local following through word of mouth and regular appearances at area wineries. They also perform at clubs and festivals throughout Maryland, Virginia and DC. Last year they had the pleasure of performing at the Frederick Festival of the Arts, the Mountain Folk and Roots Festival, The Bluemont Concert Series and the Western Maryland Blues Festival.

The band’s original three members (Demian Lewis, Jason Walker and Randy Ball) grew up in Montgomery County, MD and played music together for years before forming Hard Swimmin’ Fish a dozen years ago. Waverly Milor connected with the group as stage manager of the Frederick Blues Festival and joined the band in 2008. Members are spread out across the tri-state area, though Lewis’ home in Frederick is the band’s base of operations. Demian Lewis also is a prolific songwriter and the band has a sizeable repertoire of originals.
The band is known for its retro style, on stage they like to wear white shirts with a tie, dark pants, wingtips and even pork pie hats! "Band members have a penchant for taking little known blues songs and giving them their own flair, thanks to drummer Jason Walker’s world music percussion influences, bassist Randy Ball’s technique and singer/guitarist Demian Lewis’ arrangements", harmonica player/vocalist Waverly Milor said in an interview with Jan Mercker. “It gives the song a different twist, Demian’s so skilled at taking an old song and keeping the essence and updating it.”
They're known for putting on hard drivin' live shows that get the people up on their feet. Eclectic, high-energy and fun. “It’s part of who we are as a group… I love the fact that kids love to dance when we’re playing,” Waverly Milor, who teaches special education at an elementary school in Charlottesville, said. “The band is very energetic and we really engage the audience. We make it feel like it’s a party. We draw people in and give them permission to have a good time.”

"One Step Forward" is their fourth CD. Unlike previous recordings: 'Knockin' At Your Door' (2007), 'Ain't It Hard' (2009) and 'Hard Swimmin' Fish Live' (2011), this album features mostly original material. It was recorded by a legendary producer...
I always look for familiar names. A habit I already developed during my teens, as probably many of you, music lovers, did too! The familiar name here: Mitch Easter. Blogger Bill Kopp also looks at the names: "When I hear or read the name Mitch Easter, thoughts of a certain kind of music fill my head. The Winston-Salem-based producer/musician was a key part of the success of R.E.M., The dB’s and his own band, Let’s Active. And that’s only naming three from a much longer list. And while all those bands had/have their own sonic personality, they do share a certain sensibility. All of this makes Hard Swimmin’ Fish‘s 'One Step Forward' a bit unexpected. This electric blues quartet from Frederick, Maryland plays a swinging style of blues that relies on the sonic textures found in hollowbody electric guitar, snare-centric drumming, solid doghouse bass playing, overdriven harp wailing and soulful vocals. And none of that has anything to do with producer Mitch Easter. At least I didn’t think so until I heard 'One Step Forward'. The band generally employs a DIY approach, but this time ’round they wanted something different. I haven’t heard any of their earlier self-produced material, but one listen to the album makes it clear that Easter knew what to do: set up the mics, get the levels, and then get the hell out of the way. And if that’s not how it went down, it’s how it sounds. The production never calls attention to itself."

Time to spin the disc... Demian Lewis wrote most (seven) of the songs, Waverly Milor three and the standards are "Can't Judge A Book" by Willie Dixon and "Shake 'Em On Down" by Bukka White.
I like it when an opening track begins like "Put Me Down", enthousiastic, with the various instruments playing - so you know within half a minute what the music is basically all about and approximately what you can expect. Great interplay between voices and that beautiful harmonica - like it's an extra vocal. The singing is very good too, strong and often in a typical rhythmic speak / shout style - with answer, like on "Hear Your Mama Calling". I absolutely love the soulful take on "Blind Love", where the band slows somewhat down. Drums, (foot)percussion and shakers lay a pleasant solid base, together with the electric or acoustic bass. The lead guitar is excellent, some solos are simply astonishing. That slide guitar on "Just What You Need" is definitely a highlight on the album! I always liked "Shake 'Em On Down", but this driven arrangement adds new levels to the old song. For "Sorry Baby, But It's True" Carl Disque joins the band with his saxophone. He should come back sometime, this sounds no less than wonderful! Speaking about saving the best for last: "I Don't Mind" is a gorgeous little song - only vocal and slide dobro.
The songs touch indeed on various styles: jump / hill country / Chicago / Delta blues, even jazz and a bit of soul. The blues idiom can be occasionally restrictive. When a band doesn't play it right - everything starts to sound the same. Or they stray so far, that it barely sounds like the blues anymore. None of that happened here. After twelve songs I'm still sitting up and paying full attention, at the same time feeling like I want to swing! Highly recommended, I'm hoping ALL my blues tiger friends will check this album out.

Johnny Castle (bass player in The Nighthawks) has some nice praise for the musicians: “Great muscular stripped down grooves, rock solid upright playing! Love Jason's rim shot sound on the drums, the CD starts with it and I found myself enjoying it whenever it appeared... not too much... but just right. The solos were delightful departures from the usual blues cliche' riddled stuff that's out there these days. Waverly makes every note and tonal opportunity count during his harp solos, and has the rare ability to hold down a supportive groove behind vocals and solos. In fact, the band displays great restraint throughout, without sacrificing exuberance! Demian's guitar solos are mini-journeys that totally bypass the grab bag of hackneyed guitar licks for the satisfying phrases that are honest, communicative and clever. The vocals are handled admirably, in a sort of Bob Hite / Johnny Winter-esque 'shout it' style, "Can't Judge a Book" sounds like you got Bo to do the vocal. A very enjoyable listening experience!"

Let's close off with the band's liner notes:
"One Step Forward. Though perhaps we should have titled this offering Next Step Forward. For an eclectic blues combo that began life over twenty years ago as a high school Goth band there have been quite a few steps indeed. But this one, we think, is different.
For one thing the music on this album is overwhelmingly ours. Ten songs out of twelve are original compositions honed over months of live performances. For another, we sought outside help for this one. We have always been a DIY sort of band. Up till now all production has been done in house (not to put too fine a point on it, but primarily in Randy's house).
This time, however, we took a band vaction down to the friendly confines of Fidelitorium Studios in Kernersville, NC to work with sonic wizard Mitch Easter. The idea was to give Randy a break and also find out what 30-plus years of professional studio experience could lend to our humble offering. We were not disappointed. And when you hear the result we think you will be equally pleased.
So here it is folks, One Step Forward. Who knows what the next will bring..."
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Written & compiled by Johanna J. Bodde, September 27th, 2014.
===== - Johanna J. Bodde, September 27th, 2014 (The Netherlands)