STEVE COHEN & JIM LIBAN "Hot Air"

Maximum Ink Nov.2,2001 Hi-Fi Report-One of the typical knocks against established musicians is that after a certain point,they just stop progressing creatively-instead relying on recycled theatrics viewed through time tinted rose-colored glasses.These two zephyrs of blues harmonica,however,seem to have escaped that fate.Instead,this disc the two Milwaukee veterans on a personal devolution from their rockin blues legacies.(Liban in Short Stuff,Cohen in Leroy Airmaster). With the simplicity of dual harmonicas(or guitar/harmonica pairings)sans percussion,the versatility of their instruments comes front and center-even crisper than on heralded 1950s recordings.What's left is a modern interpretation of rural delta blues-such as the field recordings captured by the Lomaxes.Some harmonica dueling sessions get pretty frantic within the otherwise mellow context of the disc(such as the end of Rocket 88).But the best tracks feature Cohen's understated guitar and Liban's harmonicas on Big Boss Man or Willie Dixon's My Babe,which takes a slightly slower,darker tone than the version made famous by Little Walter.While the disc might have been a bit more intriguing with lesser known tunes,it shows that the everyday standards in blues can be refreshed,in the right hands. Dave Leucinger

Sheperd Express:Dec.20,2001
BLOWING OFF STEAM-Hot Air

After several years of duo performances at local venues,longtime blues harmonica players Jim Liban and Steve Cohen went into the studio for their recently released CD,Hot Air.Liban credits Cohen with initiating and following through on the recording project.or Cohen,the disc represents some of the best that he sings during their live gigs.The exception is Willie Dixon's,BIG BOSS MAN,which is from Liban's repertoire. Liban and Cohen play harmonica on 4 songs,Jackie Bresnston's ROCKET **,Reverend Gary Davis's DONE ALL MY SINGIN,Robert Johnson's WALKIN BLUES and Bukka White's PARCHMAN FARM.According to Cohen,harmonica bands were popular arounrd the turn of the century;however,Liban cites only isolated recordings that feature two harp players in the blues genre. Regarding their approach,Liban explains:"So that there's some distance between us range wise,I generally play in a rhtythm harmonica role,using a low pitched harmonica,like a bass harmonica effect," while Cohen plays lead.Cohen adds that they use harmonicas that are pitched in different keys. The harmonica is the primary instrument for both musicians,but they play oither instruments as well,including g uitar,which is what Cohen uses when they play live together.On the CD,Cohen plays guitar on all of the songs (except the harmonica duos) except for "LOUISE"which features Liban's recording debut as a guitarist.Liban has played guitar since his"early 20's,primarily as a writing tool,"but he intends to lay it" a lot more now," especially with his newly formed trio. HOT AIR contains layers of textured sound,and the two musicians compliment each other's uniquie playing styles on 10 solid blues numbers. -Sonia Khatchadourian

Blues Access#47-Fall 2001
Veteran harp players, Jim Liban, and his one time acolyte but now peer, Steve Cohen, have teamed up on a CD that is so musically natural and unpretentious, that I can, without hesitation, call it one of the best roots recordings to come out this year. Cohen, instead of concentrating on his first instrument of choice, harmonica, astutely applies his big talent to exceptional vocalizing and his T-Bone Walker-esqe guitar playing and lets Liban show 'em how on harp. Liban's playing is every bit as subtle and agile as the formidable masters who went before. A true musician's musician, Liban has forged his own identifiable sound that pays homage without slavish imitation. The high level of musicianship of both players on this CD, and the excellent choice of material (including "Parchman Farm," "My Babe," "Louise," and "Walkin' Blues"), makes Hot Air a very satisfying listening experience.Kathy Rippey

Review from Le Cri Du Coyote by Jean-Luc Faisse(translated by Gwen Bindas)
After Dueling Banjoes, here's Dueling Harmonicas. Why didn't someone think of this sooner? Moreover, to present us with two companion harmonicas recording pieces in the spirit of the Blues, with neither overdubs nor rerecorded tracks. It's a good point. (Read: A feather in their cap.) The result is easy to listen to. This album starts with a harmonica duet and vocals, with the guitar coming in on the second track simply for rhythm. Altogether, ten tracks, one original, the rest covers, of which one is instrumental (White, Dixon, Waters, and the unforgettable "Walkin' Blues" by Johnson, alas not the most successful of the tunes on the CD.) At the end of the first listening, we almost regret that there wasn't more of the logic of the title: a duo of harmonicas. If this had been the case, well and good, but this (approach) marks (or would have marked) the originality of this duo. This CD is nevertheless likeable and authentic (authentic being a dishonored word, but here it's the truth. This CD has feeling.) If one waits a bit, what's next? A CD of acoustic Blues?

Review by Tim Graham-Suncoast Blues Society Newspapaer"Twelve Bar Rag" Nov/Dec 2001
The cover of the CD with both Cohen and Liban blowing harp caught my eye.Turning it over,I saw that most songs were cover tunes,but all were favorites of mine. There is some excellent harp blowing,guitar picking and singing here.Both fellows wade into these songs with their Hohners blazing.Cohen plays guitar on most and does an admirable job with the 12 string.Liban gets most of the credit on the harp solos,but plays some guitar as well.They open with a stirring rendition of Bukka White's Parchman Farm,followed by Jimmy Reed's Ain't That Loving You Baby and the Willie Dixon tune My Babe.When I think of Rocket 88,the big band sound of Ike Turner and the Rhythm Kings comes to mind.You have to hear the amazing job these two players do with harps and a guitar. I can't tell you anything about the artists as there is basically nothing in the liner notes.The recording was done in the blues Mecca of Milwaukee and is dedicated to everyone at Liquid Johny's.I would say the folks at Liquid Johny's are lucky if this pair stops in on a regular basis.

Review by Dr.Blues-Australian blues website
A humble duo from Milwaukee in the US, Steve Cohen and Jim Liban have put together a stunning CD that will delight 'blues purists' around the world. Without any hint of racism, these two white guys have the black guy spirit and right from the opening harmonica intro to "Parchman Farm" one is hooked. For Australians, I guess one could describe a picture of a US version of our own Ross Williams and Doc Span. Scorching harmonica duets, them ol' Mississippi style vocals, soothing harmonica/acoustic guitar blending ... these guys have got the goods. One thing that stands out is their dynamic control of their instruments and the expressiveness that comes through. This is more than "Hot Air" ... it is a breath of fresh air amongst the influx of SRV style clones that have gained popularity in recent times. There is something uplifting about the simplicity of two instruments being complexly played, imparting a different level of stimulating energy. I particularly loved the covers of "Big Boss Man" and "Louise" - both sticking in my mind, yet the rest of the album is of the same quality and each song worthy of the same respect. Definitely a CD that I highly recommend, and if these guys get to Australia, they have one new fan who will be trying to get to their gigs. REVIEW and Copyright by Mark 'radar' Watson (Mr Blues) on 18th July 2001

Terry Clear review-Hot Air CD
July 2001:Steve Cohen & Jim Liban -Hot Air BLUES BYTES July 2001 Hot Air (Kanie) from Steve Cohen & Jim Liban is refreshingly different, two harp players together playing against one another. The two guys play dual harmonicas on four of the tracks, and take turns playing guitar on the others. They also share vocals --- Jim takes the bigger share of the harmonica playing while Steve takes the lion's share of the vocals. All in all, it works well and there's some amusing combinations of harp/voice. I have to say that the four tracks where the two both play harp are my favourites (maybe because three of the songs I've loved for ever and a day anyway). These tracks left me wishing I could pick up a harp and join in. But there isn't a track I could pick out as being better, or worse, than any other. Just to set the record straight, the four dual harp tracks are "Parchman Farm," "Rocket 88," "Walkin' Blues," and "Done All My Singing." To my mind, this CD is worth buying just for these tracks alone. --- Terry Clear

Letter from Bruce Iglauer-Hot Air

November 24,2001 Dear Steve-Thanks for your duet CD with Jim.This was very enjoyable and tastefully done.This is a fine project.It's hard to pick a favorite song,but Louise was a standpout in my mind.I'm not sure if it was you singing,but I liked the voacal and harp on that one.And I didn't even know it was you on harp when I reactyed that way.Overall,this was a lot of fun and you should be proud of it.

Letter from Bruce Iglauer-Duo Personality

Dec.14,1997 Dear Steve,Thanks for the Duo Personality CD.Some very restrained and tasteful playing here.I didn't know your harp vocabulary was so wide and your sense of melody so rich.I also enjoyed most of the guitar playing and the overall low key feel of the album.A good listen overall with some moments of excellent harp.

1997 Jazz Times-Duo Personality

Just down the road a piece in Milwaukee, a Bell disciple is staking out some musical territory on his own.On DUO PERSONALITY(Kanie Records 1001;40:20) Steve Cohen flashes virtuosic technique and a heart full of soul on a series of intimate duets with guitarist Peter Roller. In this revealing setting they strike a special rapport on inspired covers of Taj Mahal(Corrina,Good Morning Miss Brown),Robert Johnson(Stones In My Passway,Walkin' Blues)and Brownie McGhee(Treated Wrong,The Way I Feel) as well as affecting originals like Cohen's "Homeless Blues"and"What Is It About Love"and Roller's"Blue Fog". A refreshing twist to an old tradition.

Bill Milkowski

Shepherd Express
July 3, 1997
Steve Cohen & Peter Roller
Duo Personality

Milwaukee vocalist and harmonica player Steve Cohen gradually achieved the one thing a blues muscician can never learn: a sense of credibility. Working with guitarist Peter Roller, with guest appearances by Jim Liban and Paul Black, Cohen inhabits the songs of Robert Johnson and other masters as much as anybody living in the '90s. The lack of bass and drums help preserve the music from bar band sludge that often buries the blues these days.

Dave Luhrssen

Living Blues-Duo Personality
The Magazine of the African-American Blues Tradition
November/December 1997
Number #136
Vol. 28, No. 6

Steve Cohen
Duo Personality
(Kanie COH-1001)

Steve Cohen plays harmonica and a little guitar, but singing is his strong suit. On covers of Taj Mahal and Robert Johnson his vocals sound similar to John Hammond -- only better. Instrumentally, Cohen leaves most of the lead chores to acoustic guitarist Peter Roller. In an age when too many artists treat blues lyrics as afterthoughts, it's refreshing to hear someone take them so seriously.

Blues revue-Duo Personality
America's Blues Magazine
Issue No. 33
December 1997

Back in the U.S.A, several artists are plying the country blues trade. In Wisconsin, Steve Cohen advertises his Duo Personality (Kanie COH-1001) with unam- plified harmonica, a well-developed holler and appealing vocal timbre on the quieter numbers. Guitar (often electric, in a wel- come modernization) support comes from Peter Roller, an able finger-picker and slide player. The playbook includes two each from Robert Johnson, Taj Mahal and Brownie McGhee, and with five new com- positions, including the jazzy "Blue Fog," this well-recorded disc is well worthwhile.

the Onion
December 23:Steve Cohen & Jim Liban @ Liquid Johnny's, 6 p.m.

"Kenny G, look out!" a mischievious Jim Liban exclaimed at a recent Milwaukee Ale House gig with fellow harmonica player Steve Cohen. The 49-year-old bluesman immediately hit a soft, high alto note - his harmonica imitating an alto saxophone - which lasted almost a minute before laughter overcame him. To his left, Cohen was a vertible picture of relaxation while fingerpicking an electric guitar. Both muscicians, who obviously know how to have fun and sound good at the same time, recently released fine CDs:The Jim Liban Blues Combo's 1996 Live At Romie's made a Billboard critic's year-end list, while Cohen's new Duo Personality features Liban, Peter Roller and Paul Black, with a few originals scattered amidst tunes by Robert Johnson and Taj Mahal. These are easliy two of Milwaukee's best musicians, and they play out all the time.