Harper Simon Inspired By Classic Country

Singer-songwriter Harper Simon likes "hippie country music." Something he is less fond of, clearly, is talking about his famous dad -- Paul Simon.

Harper tells the Columbus Dispatch, ""If [audiences] like what I'm doing, they like it. I continue to play -- and, eventually, maybe people will get bored of asking me about that."

Harper's Nashville connections on his just-released self-titled debut album are evident in tracks such as the bouncy 'Tennessee' and in the personnel recruited for much of the disc. The album's producer is Bob Johnston, whose credits include Bob Dylan's 'Nashville Skyline,' several Johnny Cash albums, and, naturally, Simon and Garfunkel.

Players on the album have also backed such legends as Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline. Also on board is 2009 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie McCoy. The result is a folky, acoustic collection, tinged with steel guitar and other eloquent touches from country music's past.

A fan of '50s and '60s country acts, Harper also cites Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Gram Parsons and Neil Young among his favorites. And it seems his listening habits are decidedly "old-school."

"I still buy CDs to listen to in the car," says Harper. "I've never bought a single off the Internet. I'm interested in people who are trying to make great albums. I'm still an old-fashioned, countercultural person."

The debut album, 'Harper Simon' is out now. Get a free download of his song, 'Shooting Star,' here.