Dangerous Doug Harper, a name that resonates with the rhythm and soul of Nevada, Missouri, has been a cornerstone of the local music scene. His recordings, a testament to his musical prowess, have been largely produced in his hometown, unbeknownst to many.
There are several recording studios tucked away in the corners of Nevada, hidden gems that have been instrumental in shaping the local music scene. Among these, two studios have been particularly significant in Harper’s musical journey - Point Lookout Recordings, run by Jason Moomaw in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and the Armadillo Sound Studio, once managed by his brother.
The Armadillo Sound Studio, once located in the old FM radio station building at 129 N. Main Street, Nevada, MO, holds a special place in Harper’s heart. It was here that some of his most memorable tracks were recorded, contributing to a unique music mix that has become synonymous with his name.
When one listens to the full band recordings of Dangerous Doug Harper, it’s a revelation to discover that all the instruments - from the drums and bass to the additional elements - are played by Harper himself. However, there were a few special occasions during these sessions when he collaborated with other artists.
One such instance was a duet with his brother Matthew on “Gonna Find You,” a song they had written together years before. Originally intended to be a Num Nutz band song, it was rejected by the majority of the band and never made it into the catalog of Num Nutz songs, except for a few early live performances.
Another notable collaboration was with Justin Larkin, who made a background vocal appearance on the song “Living Out Your Dreams.” Larkin was a part of Harper’s band, Hollywood Adventure, for a short time and made a couple of live show appearances singing backing vocals on the song.
Nathan Rorabaugh joined the Harper brothers on the song “Gonna Find You,” contributing a Lynyrd Skynyrd-style outro solo. The song “Music Store” featured a mystical and powerful bass line by Mike Longhofer.
This music mix also included a live version of “Firetruck,” recorded live at Armadillo for the “South Street and Grand Live” album. At the beginning of the song, Trevor Smith and Cody Modlin, two of the world’s greatest music fans, shout out for the song.
These recordings from the Armadillo Sound Studio represent a special time in Harper’s life and his music. They are a testament to his talent, versatility, and his deep-rooted connection with his hometown of Nevada, Missouri. Through his music, Dangerous Doug Harper continues to contribute to the local music scene, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his listeners.
Check out the music mix on Spotify Armadillo Studio Tracks
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