Erin Harpe & Jim Countryman - Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me: A Tribute to Mississippi John Hurt (2025)

LET THE MERMAIDS FLIRT WITH ME: A TRIBUTE TO MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT is award-winning singer/ guitarist Erin Harpe’s latest album, honoring one of her greatest influences, Mississippi John Hurt. Hailed by Living Blues Magazine as “one of the finest fingerpicking acoustic blues singers in the land” and as embodying “today’s country blues at its very best”, the rising star’s dynamic approach to finger style Piedmont blues has captivated audiences worldwide. Coming out on her own Erin Harpe Music label through the VizzTone Label Group (her 5th VizzTone release!), Following up her highly successful self-produced acoustic album “Meet Me In The Middle” (which won the prestigious Album of the Year title from the New England Music Awards), Erin once again shows off her growing prowess as arranger and producer with this intimate album, filled with imaginative authentic versions of Mississippi John Hurt classics.
One of Erin’s early memories is learning Hurt’s songs from her dad, Neil Harpe, growing up, and she puts him at the top of her list of inspirations. The album was recorded live, without overdubs, in Erin’s home studio in Boston. The stripped-down approach really showcases Harpe’s exceptional vocal skills and snappy fingerpicking, supported by her husband/label partner Jim Countryman on acoustic ukulele bass and train whistle (he also acted as audio engineer). “It’s a vibe”, Erin says of the recording, “it feels like you’re right there, listening to us play for you on the front porch.”
This is just the first in a series of tribute albums Erin plans to release, paying respect to her biggest influences in blues. “I wanted to celebrate Mississippi John Hurt, and also put my own spin on it, the way my dad taught me. As long as people are still playing his music, we can keep it alive.”