mfs@mhuxr.UUCP (SIMON) (07/08/85)
Craig Harris is a key member of the "new traditionalist" New York
music scene. His powerhouse trombone is a major part of David Murray's
octet and big band sound, and he has graced sessions and records
by Butch Morris, Olu Dara and others. This record is his second (I
think that is all he has made. Anyone know of others?).
It is on OTC Records, 420 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028.
Harris claims all of the trombone's history as influences,
with special fondness for Ellingtonians Tricky Sam Nanton and Lawrence Brown.
He ranges back to before the blues, and forward into the future.
His band includes Vincent Chancey on freench horn, Dara on trumpet and
harmonica, Junior Vega on trumpet, Dave Holland on bass and Billy
Higgins AND Famoudou Don Moye in a power percussion section.
This record is ambitious, ranging from African JuJu ("High Life")
to American R'n'B ("24 Days an Hour"), with two lovely ballads
("D.A.S.H. (for Diane)" and "Lorna".) It succeeds on all counts.
"High Life" and "24 Days an Hour" are riotous flag wavers that grab
the listener and dump him on the dance floor. No disco, this.
Surrounded by impressionistic sounds, with tricky cross rhythms
percolating through, and long, loping horn lines boldly jumping
across bar and chorus lines.
These tunes alone would make TRIBUTES successful. But with
"Underground Journey", this record goes beyond success and becomes
a chronicle of a trip to the heart of darkness. There are no horns here,
only arco bass and percussion. Holland's broad tone pierces the darkness
(it always feels like the dead of night when this tune is playing;
it should be played with the lights off) I will make no attempt
at describing it. One cannot describe perfection. One also cannot describe
raw emotions, neither the ones this music expresses nor the ones it will
evoke in listeners. The tune is that rare piece that inspires deep thought
and leaves the listener's spirit refreshed.
Those tired of the dreck that oozes from radio and EmpTV would do well
to check out this music, and the scene that is nurturing it. Through
journeys into the heart of darkness does one reach the light.
Marcel Simon