Premiere: Harpdog Brown sets sail For Love & Money

First things first: ♥ then $$

Harpdog Brown was working a lot on the edge of old-school jazz and some gutsy blues when Skye Lambourne and William Joseph Abbott, young fellas well-studied in New Orleans blues and jazz, awoke Brown’s New Orleans heritage.

Brown, a Canadian, isn’t a prolific writer, but when a song comes to him, he goes with the flow. “Reefer Lovin’ Woman” is based on a friend, and the band released a video for the song on October 17, 2018, the same day that Canada legalized recreational cannabis use. “For Love & Money,” the title track (written by keyboardist Dave Webb) is all about Harpdog Brown’s life—and that of many other musicians—and his worldly travels. Thousands and thousands of miles are captured in three minutes, eleven seconds.

Brown explained the title and the importance of its syntax to Elmore:

“‘For Love & Money’ truly is all about the life I chose, and what drives me to continue my journey. In just a few short minutes it documents the thousands of miles and countless turns in my career. Without love, money is useless, and life has little meaning. Hence, For Love and Money, and in that order.”

Brown added, “This album depicts where I am in my life and musical career. The title For Love & Money sums it all up well. After all, that’s what it’s all about. And in that order. We should all know that money is useless without love. Thank you to everyone involved and to you for adding this album to your collection. I am truly blessed.”