Joel Harrison - Urban Myths (8 tracks) +Album Reviews

Too Much Going On

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/07/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Although Harrison is clearly a first-rate guitarist with a ton of talent, "Urban Myths" just seems a bit suffocating in its approach. There is just too much going on, with the music seldom getting room to breathe. Perhaps this is because Harrison apparently envisioned the album as something of a tribute to the fusion music of the '70s, which also suffered from this sort of excess at times. Still, there are some good patches here and there, such as the cut, "Last Waltz for Queva." Another plus for this recording is the performance of violinist Christian Howes. Overall, this is certainly not a bad recording, but at least to me, is not something that I would want to keep in my collection."

Not a Myth

Read-Only | New York City | 09/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just a note to say that it's a beautiful album, both in its compositions and in the playing. David Binney seems really to have come into his own recently, and his playing here is tremendous. It's also quite listenable and could be played at a party or as dinner music, even though it's far from cocktail jazz."

Best of 2009?

Anthony Cooper | Louisville, KY United States | 06/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Joel Harrison isn't as famous or prominent a guitar as some, but he's put out the best string guitar albums in recent years. Harrison put out the excellent "Harbor" in 2007, the string-based "The Wheel" in 2008, and now the fusion-based "Urban Myths" in 2009. There's also his rootsier older stuff. The first step for a Joel Harrison CD is to collaborate with David Binney. Christian Howes on violin returns from "The Wheel". Daniel Kelly plays keys, Stephen Crump is back on bass, and Jordan Person plays drums. In addition, Fima Ephron plays a little electric bass, and Ambrose Akinmusire, Corey King, and Jerome Sabbag play horns on a few songs.

Harrison intended to put out a fusion album like he used to listen to as a kid. He doesn't say exactly what he listened to, because "Urban Myths" is better than most 70's fusion. It has electric instruments, Christian Howes hearkens back to Jerry Goodman, and it has some rock energy. The difference is that Harrison's songwriting keeps the songs tasteful and yet exciting. "Mood Rodeo" slows the pace and intensity, but is good. The rest are all good songs, and this consistancy makes it the best of 2009 (so far). Why isn't it a 5-star CD? While the songs are all good, there's isn't that "All Blues" or "My Funny Valentine" that makes me think "wow". Still, it's very highly recommended.

"

Fusion meets 2009 NYC Post Bop

Scott Williams | Oakland, CA United States | 08/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overview:

Urban Myths lies somewhere between your classic 70's fusion and the 2009 NYC post bop sound. The album features a stellar cast of rising stars. Many (if not all) of the musicians on this CD are currently based out of NYC. They are: Joel Harrison (guitar), Dave Binney (alto sax), Christian Howes (violin), Daniel Kelly (piano), Stephan Crump (accoustic bass), Jordan Person (drums). Also Firma Ephron joins on electric bass on tracks 2 & 8. Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet) & Corey King (trombone) join on tracks 4,5,6 & 7. Jerome Sabbag joins on tenor jazz on tracks 4 & 5. I really like the choice of going with an acoustic bass over electric on most of the tracks. It gives the album a much more traditional jazz sound. Yes, this is a jazz-fusion album with a violin, but this is NOT Mahavishnu Orchestra revisited. In addition to Harrison, Binney and Howes are the primary soloists. All three contribute great solos throughout the album. Harrison is a sort of "story telling" composer. His songs tend to be longer, epic, and containing a variety of parts. It's not quite as epic as Dave Binney's song writing, but close.

Song Highlights:

Between the Traveler and the Setting Sun: - This song is part of Harrison's 7 movement suite: "Vox Americana". It is the most epic theme on the album. It is a long song with a lot of parts.

125 and Lenox - This is the most fusion-esc piece on the album. It opens with a funky electric bass line and a violin counter melody. It reminds me quite a bit of Herbie Hancock's 70's fusion remake of his Cantelope Island. If you liked some of the work Herbie did right after Headhunters, you'll love this song.

Mood Rodeo - This starts of real basic, just a simple, slow drum and bass line. Throughout the song this slow sort of "rock anthem" sound comes and goes with an interchanging double-time section. Harrison seems to be channeling the classic rock guitar gods during his solos over the slow parts. Depending on your opinion of classic rock you may find this wonderful or disgusting. Dave Binney has a blistering solo during one of the fast sections.

Straight No Chaser - It's hard to find any connection to the classic Monk theme on this rendition, but nonetheless it is great to listen to. Akinmusire has a real nice trumpet solo on this piece. This is more straight ahead post bop than fusion.

Last Waltz For Queva - This piece was written in honor of the deceased NYC jazz bar owner of 55 Bar, Queva Lutz. Many of the musicians on this album (e.g. Harrison, Binney, Akinmusire) are regular players at 55 Bar.

"

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	Joel Harrison Urban Myths Genres: Jazz, Pop Track Listings (8) - Disc #1 You Must Go Through a Winter 125 and Lenox Mood Rodeo Last Waltz for Queva Straight, No Chaser (Variations) - Joel Harrison, Monk, Thelonious Between the Traveler and the Setting Sun Urban Myths High Expectation Low Return
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