Do you ever listen to an artist and ask yourself “Why haven’t I heard of this guy before?” That’s how I felt after just THE FIRST song on this 2 disc set that covers guitarist Bill Harris sessions with Mercury Records. He was a sideman with R&B bands like The Clovers, so nothing could prepare you for this stuff. It’s almost all solo guitar, electric, classical and acoustic to boot. He’s got a sense of creativity and rhythm on standards that will make your head swim. A take of “Cherokee” for example has him mixing the strum of the chords with the picking of the bass line that will make your jaw drop. Then, he likes to add little funky effects as intros, as on “Ol’ Man River” or “The Song Is You” before delivering a bel canto variation. And, you want some swinging? Try his take of “Daahoud” or “Jordu” on for size. He even takes on Monk, with a version of “Well You Needn’t” and a piece called “Intaglio Monk” that brings together a bunch of Sphere’s themes with joy and aplomb. A concert gig from 1962 shows that it’s not all smoke and mirrors, and a trio session that includes Hank Jones on piano is buoyant and celebratory.
You’re going to be amazed that someone this original and artistic isn’t lionized more by jazz historians. This is why Barcelona-based Fresh Sound records deserves your attention. Get this babe NOW, NOW, NOW!!!
Fresh Sound Records