Jesse Harris/The Ferdinandos - While the Music Lasts

Guitarist Jesse Harris' sophomore solo effort, While the Music Lasts, finds him deviating little from the thoughtful country-jazz style of his first record. Once again featuring the laid-back distorted lead guitar of Tony Scherr, the album is awash in ballads, latin numbers, and soft rock that fans of Harris have grown accustomed to. While Harris' sensitive-guy persona, dippy lyrics, and slight voice may not appeal to everybody, the music of his band, the Ferdinandos, is tastefully rootsy and marginally edgy, and dresses up Harris' blander qualities nicely. Fans of vocalist and Harris compadre Norah Jones may be slightly disappointed that she only appears here on some background vocals, nice as they are. On the upside, Harris has brought in the big soft-focus guns of fellow guitarist Bill Frisell, who fits perfectly into the twang-jazz vibe on his two tracks. Similarly interesting are Van Dyke Parks' string arrangements peppered throughout the album. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide

Name Credits Ariane Lallemand Group Member, Cello Ben London Assistant Bill Frisell Guitar (Electric) Bill Phelps Photography Dan Rieser Percussion, Drums David Robinson Sax (Baritone) David Soldier Group Member, Leader Doug Wieselman Clarinet Erib Whelan Release Coordinator Gene Paul Mastering Guyora Kats Wurlitzer Jesse Harris Guitar (Acoustic), Producer, Vocals Kelly Pratt Release Coordinator Kenny Wollesen Marimba, Drums Lara Lynne Hickes Viola, Group Member Marcus Rojas Tuba Mark Dresser Bass, Group Member Mary Auldon Clark Viola, Group Member Matt Boynton Assistant Engineer Mauro Refosco Pandeiro Meg Okura Violin, Group Member Norah Jones Vocals (Background) Osie Bowe Assistant Engineer Rob Burger Piano, Farfisa Organ, Lap Steel Guitar, Prepared Piano, Organ (Pump) Robba Jost French Horn Robert Di Pietro Triangle Ron Lawrence Group Member, Viola Soldier String Quartet Strings Steven Bernstein Horn Arrangements, Cornet Sylvia Grieser Wardrobe Terry Manning Engineer, Vocals (Background), Mixing Tim Luntzel Bass Tony Scherr Guitar (Electric), Vocals (Background), Horn Arrangements, Producer, Vocals Van Dyke Parks Accordion, String Arrangements