It can be a difficult task, attempting to step outside of your father’s shadow. Many would lament the comparison, but others embrace it. While there’s no telling whether Harper Simon minds being compared to his father, the vocal likeness is undeniable. You can hear it in songs like “Wishes And Stars” and “Ha Ha”. Harper Simon, then, runs a similar path as Jakob Dylan and Sean Lennon. Like those artists, Harper maintains a fairly contemporary style that hints at the greatness of their fathers. And like those artists Simon is gifted with immense abilities, as heard on the outstanding pop song “Shooting Star” which includes a country-tinged steel guitar.

But Simon is not afraid to stray down a different path; “Cactus Flower Bag” has the bouncy, pop-heavy sound on par with early Jim Noir. These are songs that are easy to get into, easy to enjoy, and easy to love. All can be heard on Simon’s new self-titled LP, out this week on Tulsi Records.

Harper Simon: Shooting Star [mp3]