Electric guitarist
Joel Harrison is somewhat of a pioneer in following paths that are different than most so-called fusion guitarists. From hard-edged and exploratory progressive sounds to country amalgams and ethnic infusions,
Harrison has been one to keep an ear pinned to the tracks for, as you never know what direction he'll approach from. In the case of
Harbor, a nautical theme is present, but coming from the deck of a very large freighter hauling precious metals. Second guitarist
Nguyên Lê galvanizes the steely tone while longtime bandmate alto saxophonist
David Binney adds the ballast and balance that keep the ship moving forward. This collection has a signature sound of
Harrison's concept, de-emphasizing solos and concentrating on a shared ownership, and the music has a suspended-in-time feeling while remaining fully contemporary. "Hudson Shining" (sans
Lê) expresses
Harrison's ethos perfectly, as he and
Binney shout hopeful outcries as a springboard for extended melody lines that resonate infinitely. Revealing the musicians at their most animated, "End Time" is a bit frenetic, very involved in the 7/8 time frame, and demarcates a point where contemporary classical composer
Olivier Messiaen meets
Pete Cosey and
Reggie Lucas from the
Miles Davis fusion bands.
Harbor is not without its languid and introspective moments; the title track with the echoing guitars of
Harrison and
Lê combines the sexiness of
Marvin Gaye with the thoughtfulness of
Bill Evans. A tribute to Atlantic City, "American Babylon" is moody and dour, with
Lê contrastingly on fire, and fully demonstrates the partnership of the differently able guitarists. The extraordinary percussionist
Jamey Haddad also appears on the six tracks that include
Lê, while
Satoshi Takeishi and the rising-star bassist
Stephan Crump appear on another two apiece.
Binney is a treat throughout, asserting his alto as a true original voice in modern jazz. If guitar hero mavens were wise, they would be well served to keep abreast of the future activities of
Harrison, a visionary and unique player in contemporary jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos