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Karla Harris: Merge

By Neil Duggan
July 15, 2025
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With the release of Merge,

Karla Harris

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Karla Harris' fifth album, the vocalist refines her sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary jazz. She follows the time-honored jazz tradition of reimagining familiar standards, complemented by three original compositions that showcase her strength as a songwriter.

What distinguishes Merge beyond Harris' superb vocal artistry is the creative space afforded to her collaborators to explore, improvise and weave their individual voices into the arrangements. Those arrangements, created by Harris and co-producer/pianist

Tyrone Jackson

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Tyrone Jackson, take elements of soul, swing, Latin, blues and funk and fuse them into a jazz setting. They work with two core rhythm sections: bassist

Kelly McCarty

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Kelly McCarty and drummer

Robert Boone Jr.

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Robert Boone Jr. on six tracks and bassist

Billy Thornton

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Thornton and drummer

Chris Burroughs

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Burroughs on the remaining seven, alongside a host of other musical contributions.

There are 10 covers; among those plucked from the American Songbook are two Gershwin tunes. "Nice Work If You Can Get It" gets a smart, light funk makeover; McCarty and Boone Jr drive the neat rhythm, supporting Jackson on organ. The band takes a less-is-more approach as "Isn't It A Pity" gets a more understated backing, allowing the focus to be solely on Harris' silky voice as she taps into the emotion of the tune with each thoughtfully delivered phrase.

Other well-known tunes include a breezy swinging version of "Almost Like Being in Love," with

Sam Skelton

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Sam Skelton showing his agility on saxophone. In Harris' hands, "Never Will I Marry," a song made famous by

Nancy Wilson

vocals
1937 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Nancy Wilson, becomes an old-style R&B soul standout. Organ and twin saxophones add to the piece, with Harris' aching vocals outstanding on the bridge.

More recent covers include "Stand By Me," Vocal warmth alongside Jackson's piano standout in this shimmering version. The soulful, funky arrangement of "I'm Still In Love With You" has some excellent saxophone from

Mace Hibbard

saxophone
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Mace Hibbard, while the instrumentation on

Bobby Caldwell

vocals
1951 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love" brings an injection of swing into its R&B roots.

There are three new Harris compositions, and they do not disappoint. The title track (co-written with Jackson) is fresh and lyrically distinctive with subtle vocals winding around Skelton's excellent alto flute work. Harris commands attention with her clarity and diction on the reflective "Sweet Land," the lyrics being half-sung, half-spoken, over well-judged accompaniment. "Happy People Blues," the closing track on the album, is exactly what the title infers and may leave you with a smile on your face.

Never straying far from well-worn paths, Harris' phrasing opens up new twists within established song frameworks rather than pursuing complete reinvention. Her voice, tone and intonation are exemplary throughout and are the foundation for performances that feel both polished and spontaneous. Yet the album's true strength lies in its collaborative spirit; Harris is part of the band, not standing apart as they seek to make the most of every musical passage and lyrical phrase. They deliver a dynamic performance that fully deserves four stars and is pushing for more.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

What Is This Thing Called Love; Merge; For The Love of You; Stand By Me; Almost Like Being in Love; Never Will I Marry; I'm Still in Love with You; Sweet Land; What you Won't do For Love; Isn't it a Pity; Sugar; Nice Work if You Can Get It; Happy People Blues.

Personnel

Karla Harris

vocals

Tyrone Jackson

piano

Kelly McCarty

bass

Billy Thornton

bass

Robert Boone Jr.

drums

Chris Burroughs

drums

Frankie Qui?ones

congas

Mace Hibbard

saxophone

Sam Skelton

saxophone

Justin Powell

trumpet

Patrick Arthur

guitar

Doc Powell

guitar

Trey Wright

guitar

Chris Blackwell

guitar

Additional Instrumentation

Karla Harris: vocals (1-13), piano (8), percussion (1); Tyrone Jackson: piano, organ, Fender Rhodes (1-13); Kelly McCarty: bass (4,5,7,10,11,12); Billy Thornton: bass (1,2,3,6,8,9,13); Robert Boone Jr.: drums (4,5,7,10,11,12); Chris Burroughs: drums (1,2,3,6,8,9,13); Frankie Qui?ones: percussion (1); Mace Hibbard: saxophones (6,7,9); Sam Skelton: saxophones (5,6,9), alto flute (1-13); Patrick Arthur: guitar (12); Chris Blackwell guitar (9,12); Doc Powell: guitar (8); Trey Wright: guitar (4).

Album information

Title: Merge | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Self Produced

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