Nick Harper - Critical Acclaim

Critical Acclaim

While not having reached the levels of popularity - or notoriety - of his father, Harper has received critical and popular acclaim as a live performer, especially for his acoustic guitar playing. The Times stated that he "...does things to his that would have had Segovia weeping into his Rioja", and a critic stated that he could count "at least eight fingers on the neck of guitar". His unique style of playing has also been called "nothing short of genius".

Though he has received more plaudits for his live work than for his recordings, his albums have also received significant critical acclaim. Speaking of his album Miracles for Beginners, Mojo called it "his most focused, warm and triumphant album to date" (4 stars), the Herald (Glasgow) said the album is "borne on masterful acoustic guitar patterns... ten minor miracles." (4 stars) and The Sun stated that "like his dad, he's a fine folk troubadour and a great guitarist... this is a witty, vibrant affair... a rewarding listen." (3.5 stars).

BBC Online took a less enthusiastic viewpoint, saying that "this Harper set is a little patchy, especially if compared alongside 1995’s Seed and 2004’s Blood Songs which updated brilliantly the folk confessional", but the author still admits that "Harper though must be applauded for trying be a politically inclined sort of modern troubadour".