Author: George W. Harris

Music has inherently been used to convey a message. Since people sang along with Moses after crossing the Red Sea to thank God for deliverance, music has reflected the religious and political scene. Here are two albums with messages that…

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German label Jazz Haus has been uncovering some remarkably rare treasures from well known artists as well as impressive things from under-heard musicians that deserve a second listen. Here are two of the latest gifts from above. The Modern Jazz…

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Tom Harrell just never keeps still. He’s always looking for new directions and permutations, and this time around he’s done an intriguing release that includes Esparanza Spalding’s vocals (as well as her bass playing) along with his working band of…

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Clarinetist Dave Bennett has performed with music ranging from the Count Basie Orchestra as well as the Hot Club of Detroit; now he works as a solo artist tipping the hat to the sounds of Herman, Goodman and Shaw. On…

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Well, there’s “mellow,” and then there’s “James Taylor Mellow.”A completely different category in itself.  I’ve never personally understood it, but almost every woman I know thinks that James Taylor is the embodiment of the “M” word the same way that…

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Tim Berne has put together a working team named after his last album, consisting of Oscar Noriega/cl-bcl, Matt Mitchell/p and Ches Smith/dr-perc/vibes in support of the leader, songwriter and alto sax player. They are recorded in upstate New York, with…

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Here’s a pianist that has lots of creative ideas along with  a unique approach and touch. One album is a solo disc while the other one mixes and matches various combinations in an intriguing manner. Piket’s Solo album is impressive…

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Pianist Geri Allen has one of the most distinct sounds and styles, and for the life of me can’t figure out why she doesn’t get more acclaim. Each one  of her releases, since I discovered her 1991 The Nurturer, is…

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