Loston Harris' debut makes it easy to compare him to early
Harry Connick, Jr.
Harris plays piano in a likable style that is swing-based but sometimes boppish; he takes four vocals that sound a bit like Connick, performs an
Ellis Marsalis piece ("Swinging at the Haven") and even thanks Ellis and
Wynton Marsalis and
Marcus Roberts, among others, in the acknowledgements.
Harris has stronger technique than Connick (his playing on "Easy Listening Blues" is a good example) and
Oscar Peterson is one of his influences. His vocals are unassuming, straightforward and warm. Although no innovations are heard and
Loston Harris is in the early stages of forming his own sound, overall this trio date (with bassist David Grossman, drummer
Clarence Penn and, on three numbers,
Mark Shim guesting on tenor) is an enjoyable set of swinging music. The highlights include "Moonlight in Vermont" (which has a groove reminiscent of the
Ahmad Jamal Trio), "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me," "Comes Love" and "Easy Listening Blues." ~ Scott Yanow