Search - Tom Harrell :: Time's Mirror

Time's Mirror
Tom Harrell
Time's Mirror
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (8) - Disc #1

Tom Harrell, unlike most of today's trumpeters, blows you away with a full and even trumpet and flügelhorn tone that emphasizes hitting the right note instead of the high note. That quality has earned him a loyal foll...  more »

     

CD Details

All Artists: Tom Harrell
Title: Time's Mirror
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: RCA
Original Release Date: 9/14/1999
Release Date: 9/14/1999
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 090266352425

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Tom Harrell, unlike most of today's trumpeters, blows you away with a full and even trumpet and flügelhorn tone that emphasizes hitting the right note instead of the high note. That quality has earned him a loyal following among the cream of today's musicians, as evidenced by the all-stars assembled on his third release for RCA, featuring his big-band compositions and arrangements. Joined by an array of heavyweights, including drummer Carl Allen, trombonist Conrad Herwig, tenor saxophonist Don Braden, and producer Ebb Belden, Harrell's swinging syncretism of Clifford Brown's precision, Chet Baker's lilting lyricism, and Donald Byrd's flights float over ethereal, harmonic waves reminiscent of Gil Evans's evocative voicings and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra's power. The standards "Autumn Leaves," "Dream," and "Chasin' the Bird" dig up mounds of buried improvisational treasure, with Harrell out in front with his less-is-more solos. The fanfare-ish "Shapes," the neo-hip-hop backbeat of "Daily News," the Brazilian-breezed bossa nova on "Sao Paulo," the urbane blues of "Train Shuffle," and the Wayne Shorter-like title track show that Harrell's composition is a direct extension of his playing, which communicates without complication. A rare thing these days. --Eugene Holley Jr.

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CD Reviews

The Apex of the 30+ year Career of a Major Talent
Joel Fass | Riverdale, N.Y. | 11/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a guitarist/composer and an unabashed Harrell admirer since I first heard him in the late '70's on the New York scene. He was an in-demand sideman then, little-known to fans, but already he had won over the musicians. His trumpet playing scared us then, and he already had an mature and attractive body of compositions in the books of various bands he was in. And his artistry has only grown exponentially ever since. This recording's merits (to-the-point solos, well-planned, thorough-composed and emotionally charged charts, and a suite-like continuity) stand on their own. However, they take on added meaning when considered as the fruition of all those years experience coupled with constant thought about music and searching for a voice by the artist (some of these pieces are 30 years old, some written in 1999). Standouts include "Daily News" (which uses metric shifting, compelling backgrounds and an exciting, ever-moving compositional landscape to create a steely brilliance offset by the warmth of Tom's flugelhorn), Sao Paulo (a zephyr-like bossa which slowly unfolds to wrap up with a glorious out-chorus), and the title track (if you aren't moved by this ballad performance, put in a call to the coroner).This CD should only win Harrell more admirers, despite a craven 3 star review in Downbeat (seemingly because the reviewer couldn't handle the fact that Harrell's fame has finally grown beyond initiates). Tom Harrell's music does what art is supposed to when done right: bring beauty into the world and uplift the race. And he does it on this recording with more clarity and emotional commitment than ever before."
Tom Harrell can do better than this
Joel Fass | 10/01/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a beatifully arranged and performed recording, but the music is lacking the striking originality and sense of adventure that one finds in other Tom Harrell performances. In fact, some of it is just plain dull and corny. If you really want to hear what Mr. Harrell can do, I recommend Labyrinth or The Art of Rhythm or his wonderful collaboration with Joe Lovano on Live at the Village Vanguard."
Amazing !
Graziano | Buenos Aires. Argentina | 02/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whithout doubts, the trumpet of the new millenium, now with a big band. Un- Loosing! ( sorry about my english! )"