UVMs Recital Hall was packed from front to back with music fans of all ages Friday Feb. 22. An anticipatory hush came over the audience and the stage illuminated as all eyes were transfixed on the man seated before them, blues player and guitar virtuoso Corey Harris.In a relatively short period of time, Harris has built quite the reputation as one of todays most prolific and accomplished blues musicians.Eleven solo albums released since 1995 and collaborations with artists such as Billy Bragg and Wilco aside, he was also awarded the MacArthur Fellowship in 2007 for his work in music.Harriss music is reflective of the various cultural and historical facets of the blues. On his most recent album, Fulton Blues, he draws inspiration from the Virginia community of Fulton and the eviction of black families living in the neighborhood for the purpose of urban renewal.In regards to the subject matter of the album as a whole, Harris said in a pre-performance discussion, We really look into, lyrically, the history of the south, and also the history of the country as it deals with African American experiences and issues.In a fitting transition from discussion to performance, Harris began the show with the title track of the new album. The song was a moderately paced lament featuring soft guitar fills, in between he sang Fulton, Fulton, what done happened to you? Seems like everyday people are crying in the news.The entire show featured a wide range of material, from older tracks to ones that have yet to be recorded, as well as several covers.On Watching You, a song about modern societys attachment to technology, Harris displayed his vocal range and ability to incorporate lyrical melody into an upbeat blues jam.In contrast, his cover of Skip Jamess Devil Got My Woman was much slower and more solemn, utilizing deep vocals and building intensity to create an atmosphere of sorrow and desperation.Harris also took the opportunity to demonstrate his slide guitar skills on tracks such as Jack of Diamonds and Preaching Blues. On the former, the contrast of the plucked bass notes with the sound of the melody sliding up and down the fret board created the impression of two different guitarists playing onstage.In a slight departure from lyric-heavy blues songs, Harriss set included a few purely-instrumental jams, turning the guitar into his primary voice of expression and allowing it do the singing for him.Just as much the showman when not even playing, Harris kept the crowd entertained in between songs with jokes and anecdotes from his travels. Throughout the night, he either had the audience cheering for his music or laughing at his stories.One could say that it is his ability as a storyteller that has made him so successful at what he does, bringing the subject matter of his songs to life.Its not just entertainment, its not just music, Harris said. Its actually expression on different levels.