Search - Jerome Harris :: Hidden in Plain View

Thank you for the recommendation

Ronald Lyles | West Hartford, CT | 05/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to my thoughts on his recent cd "Rendezvous", Jerome Harris sent me an email and suggested that I pick up "Hidden In Plain View". Maybe I thought it was just an artist promoting himself, but I don't know why I did not buy this recording earlier. This is a special recording.When i finlly got around to investigating this cd, there were two things which immediately told me that I had to purcchase this cd. First, there is the strong group of musicians. In addition to Harris on bass, the disc includes Ray Anderson - trombone; Don Byron - clarinet; Marty Ehrlich - bass clarinet and alto sax; Eddie E.J. Allen - trumpet; Bill Ware - vibes and Boby Previte on Drums. All of the musicians are strong improvisors with original approaches to their instruments. For me, it is always a happy event to hear Allen. I first heard Allen in 1995 at a record convention in Newark, NJ. I immediately began my campaign to purchase any cd I could find that he appeared on, including the three cds under his own leadership. He reminds me somewhat of one of my other favorites, Woody Shaw. He is able to play outside and in simultaneously and he is full of ideas. If you have not heard him, check him out.Back to "Hidden in Plain View". The second thing that attracted me to this cd is that it is dedicated to the music of Eric Dolphy. Unlike may other jazz greats, Dolphy's music has not been interpreted by many artists. Thus, this cd manages to sound totally fresh even though seven of the nine tracks are Dolphy compositions. The instrumentation of this disc adds to its appeal. I always felt that Dolphy's groups with Bobby Hutcherson on vibes were his best. The vibes adds an openess that a piano does not that is most appropriate for Dolphy's music. Here, although Ware is no Bobby Hutcherson, he does interject that openess to the music.Overall this is a very entertaining disc. Harris' arrangements of the Dolphy tunes are respectful, yet new. For example, check out the first track "Iron Man." Bass and drums play a subtle funky hip hop beat while Byron and Anderson contribute very unhip-hop like solos. I must be honest and point out that I did not enjoy Harris' originals as much as the Dolphy tunes, but that is a minor thing. Great music. Makes you wonder why others have not approached Dolphy. Recommded. And by the way, Mr. Harris, you were right. Thanks again for the recommendation."