Bhi Bhiman
“On ‘Up in Arms,’ a thick, stretching ballad with sparse, distant guitar, Bhiman’s fiery lyrics and well-pronounced vocals are showcased front and center. His deliciously sarcastic side shines on the blues number “White Man’s Burden Blues;” the bite of the song accentuated by the fact that Bhiman manages to cram every stereotype and denigrating term into it, while peppering them with brief but sweet harmonica solos. “You Gotta Move” is a fierce, catchy anthem that calls to mind Hamell on Trial, as Bhiman works his literate, politically-charged lyrics around a heavy electric guitar track and another distant harmonica.”
-Kim Ruehl, Performer Magazine
“He is just a guy with a guitar when it comes right down to it. And there are a million of them lately. I call them The Songwriter Army. Yet somehow just a few of seconds into one of his songs, it is apparent that Bhi is not one of your run-of-the-mill songsters. His voice is urgent and distinctive. It’s true, as his press kit says, you can hear some Dylan and Bob Marley at times. But I am reminded more of Nina Simone, especially in his flair for the dramatic and in his exceptional vocal range. And they also share a barely contained outrage, especially when dealing with social injustice and other global concerns. His songs deftly mix observations of daily life, pop culture, and broader political matters. He also has a playwright’s affection for words and clever turns of phrases. Best of all, he wraps it all up in a disarming sense of humor.”
-Richard Rice, SAN FRANCISCO FREE FOLK FESTIVAL
