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Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals' "Brilliant" (The Atlantic) 'Call It What It Is' Topping Charts + Radio

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals' first album since 2007, 'Call It What It Is' (Stax), was just released to rave reviews and is topping charts and radio. The album debuted at #7 on Billboard's Album Sales chart, #2 on the Folk Albums chart and #4 on the Rock Albums chart. It also debuted as the #1 album at independent retail. Outside of the United States, 'Call It What It Is' debuted at #1 for International Albums in Italy and France and in Canada's Top 10. "Shine," the latest single, is Top 20 at Triple A radio, has been the #1 Most Added track at the format for 3 weeks running, and is spinning in several major markets including NY and LA.

Ben and his longtime collaborators The Innocent Criminals wrap up the first leg of a sold-out tour next week and in June launch another extensive and international run that has them on the road until the end of 2016. Highlights include Red Rocks, Hollywood Bowl, Fuji Rock in Japan plus Europe and Australia in the fall.

Recent appearances include interviews on Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, NPR's Here & Now, a USA Today profile plus performances ranging from ESPN's Sportscenter to KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, NPR Music and more. The album is getting raves:

"Unpredictable...and brilliant" - The Atlantic

"Making Hollywood and Vine sound like Robert Johnson's crossroads" - Rolling Stone / 3.5 STARS

"Ben Harper at his best...one of the most versatile and sensitive voices of the last three decades" - Associated Press

"A welcome homecoming...his most diverse collection in years" - Entertainment Weekly / A-

"Accomplished music that's driving, soulful, heartfelt" - American Songwriter / 3.5 STARS

TOUR DATES:

4/22/16 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN

4/23/16 - The Orange Peel - Asheville, NC

4/24/16 - Sweetwater 420 Fest - Atlanta, GA

6/23/16 - Marymoor Park - Seattle, WA

6/24/16 - McMenamins Edgefield - Troutdale, OR

6/25/16 - Les Schwab Amphitheatre - Bend, OR

6/28/16 - Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO

6/29/16 - Red Butte Garden - Salt Lake City, UT

6/30/16 - Revolution Concert House- Boise, ID

7/2/16 - High Sierra, Festival - Quincy, CA

7/8/16 - RBC Ottawa Blues Fest, Ottawa, Canada

7/9/16 - Ommegang Brewery - Cooperstown, NY 

7/10/16 - Merryland Music Festival, Columbia, MD

7/12/16 - Artpark - Lewiston, NY

7/13/16 - Meijer Gardens Amphitheater - Grand Rapids, MI

7/16/16 - Sloss Music & Arts Festival - Birmingham, AL

8/16/16 - Mountain Winery - Saratoga CA 

8/17/16 - Fox Theater - Oakland, CA 

8/19/16 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA

8/20/16 - Santa Barbara Bowl - Santa Barbara, CA

8/23/16 - Humphrey's by The Sea - San Diego, CA

8/25/16 - Marquee Theatre - Phoenix, AZ

For more information please contact Chris Taillie (ctaillie@shorefire.com), Max Lefkowitz (mlefkowitz@shorefire.com) or Matt Hanks (mhanks@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media, 718 522 7171.