Donald Harrison, alto alumnus of the
Art Blakey and
Eddie Palmieri bands, likes to blend funk, reggae, and swing rhythms into something he calls "nouveau swing" (releasing a CD by that name in 1997, on Impulse!). There is a fresh, contemporary feel to this Nagel Heyer debut, along with a nod to tradition in
Harrison's tonal and harmonic homage to
Charlie Parker and
John Coltrane. Superb pianist
Eric Reed plays on seven tracks, supplying the sly, cartoon-villain riff in the opener, and the film-noirish chording on the title track. He also wrote the contemplative "Strange Day," where
Harrison builds a dynamic and forceful solo. "Oleo" and "I'm Barred" are in the capable hands of pianist Jonathan Lefcoski, who, with bassist
Vicente Archer and drummer
John Lamkin, comprise
Harrison's crack working band.
Lamkin wrote the bright bossa nova "Swept From the Sea," one of the CD's highlights; another is the classic "Oleo," where
Harrison tosses "
Bird"-like accents over the churning rhythm. "A Night in Tunisia" has a hint of reggae and some droll hesitation that recalls
Dizzy's wit, and trumpeter
Christian Scott,
Harrison's 18-year-old nephew, provides a clear, understated turn that ends too soon. The band makes "Take Five" their own, resisting clichés:
Reed's solo is angular and spare,
Harrison's strong and soaring. On "Keep the Faith,"
Harrison brews an enthusiastic mix of gospel, funk, and a touch of R&B that ends this session on a joyful note. Passionate, tasteful playing, original material, and great grooves make this a thoroughly enjoyable disc. ~ Judith Schlesinger