Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
No performer should be afraid to lose themselves in the beauty of the epic; what is good for the unknown poet who scribed the tale of Beowulf, for the symphony of expression that encompasses Progressive Rock, is more than an illusion for us all, we can all claim to partake one way or another in the pursuit of the grand scale of song, of the art, few though readily rummage deep in the hearts to make it happen; no matter the subject, no matter the detail or the genre, the epic is a virtue which is lofty and sincere.
In the open bohemian setting of Leaf’s upstairs venue, Harry Miller became the embodiment of the heartfelt search for the personal enlightenment which comes from embracing the epic; the quality of musicianship a singular joy, a remarkable avenue of exploring feelings and emotions that were undertaken; and yet all the while with the happiness etched on a face which could not be dissuaded to be otherwise.
Under the three shades of coloured lights, the electric hum of guitar gently causing the surrounding pot plants to soak up the energy unfolding, Harry Miller sought a passage through the waters which had been crossed initially by the Hawaiian cool of Eli Smart, and one that was perhaps, at least in some of the eyes of the audience, reserved for the main act of Dan Owen.
Crossing boundaries is par for the course for the intrepid explorer and would be discoverer of the epic, and as the midweek night strode confidently onwards, so to did Harry Miller.
In songs such as The 15th, Say You Won’t, Post Cards, You and I, We Used To Be Young and the exquisite Scarlett, Harry Miller took the audience on the quest with him, the open invitation to seek out their own variance on the epic held out tantalisingly and with grace; it is a grace that marks Harry Miller out as special, as enjoyable, as impressive as any giant followed round, as epic as a tale of heroism.
Ian D. Hall