Discovering great new music is getting really hard to do. With busy schedules at work and home I have virtually no time to go exploring at music stores. However, I am having some success by renting concert videos from online DVD services like Blockbuster Online. By surfing through the listings I occasionally find highly (member) rated concert videos. So I take a chance and place it in my queue. I previously found Beth Hart and now Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Live at the Hollywood Bowl.

It's rare to find someone with the natural enthusiasm and talent like Ben Harper. This concert is an engaging mix of R&B and Rock with a touch of Hip-Hop and a dose of Reggae. Harper's versatility, talent, and love for the music shines through it all. I especially loved the groovin' rhythms of "Brown Eye Blues", the edgy guitar in "Temporary Remedy", the rolling melodies in "Gold to Me", and the thoroughly enjoyable blending of street sounds in "Steal My Kisses". Harper also shows his vocal talents in a cover of "Sexual Healing". It's a rendition that gives Marvin Gaye a run for his money.

This is awesome music. True talent.