Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Harvie S / Sheryl Bailey: Plucky Strum

Harvie S / Sheryl Bailey: Plucky Strum

By Dan Bilawsky
May 5, 2015
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Two musicians, two acoustic string instruments, and ten original works recorded live in the studio with no overdubs, edits, or fixes of any sort. That's Plucky Strum in a nutshell, but that's also unfairly reductive in its explanation of the project. For when the two musicians under discussion are as special and seasoned as bassist

Harvie S

bass, acoustic
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Harvie S and guitarist

Sheryl Bailey

guitar
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Sheryl Bailey, even the simplest of concepts can turn into something special.

While neither of these players is a stranger to duo settings, Plucky Strum marks the first time that these two had the opportunity to record together as a twosome. The result? Beautifully unassuming music that shows both players to be engaging conversationalists, pillars of support, and strong writers.

The playlist for Plucky Strum is chock-full of dedications. "Woods Talk," which opens the album, and "S And S," a bop-based contrafact on "Sweet Georgia Brown," are nods to this musically woodworking duo; "For Jimmy," which has Bailey painting over some soothing arco bass at first sight, is the guitarist's tip of the hat to guitar great

Jimmy Wyble

guitar, electric
1922 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Wyble; "

Charlie Haden

bass, acoustic
1937 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Haden" speaks to the titular figure's melodic directness and ability to always choose the right notes; "Saint Nick," penned in praise of bassist

Nikki Parrott

" data-original-title="" title="">Nikki Parrott, exhibits a strong sense of swing; and "To Bea," Harvie S' homage to his dearly departed mother, comes across as a cheerful celebration of life.

The remaining tracks, which are no less agreeable, aren't attached to any specific figure(s): "Bluzin' F" is exactly what is says it is, "Ghost Dancer" is a gently flowing piece in three with a haunting guitar introduction, "Broken Glass" is a bossa-ballad hybrid, and "Before"—written by Harvie S on September 10, 2001—ends the album on an mesmerizing and sorrowful note.

While both players get plenty of solo space throughout, there's nary a superfluous gesture or unnecessary phrase to be found on Plucky Strum. There's too much wisdom and experience between these two for them to fall into a showboating trap. Instead, musical acumen, unerring taste, and simpatico sensibilities carry the day.

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Track Listing

Woods Talk; Bluzin' F; Ghost Dancer; S And S; Broken Glass; To Bea; For Jimmy; Charlie Haden; Saint Nick; Before.

Personnel

Harvie S

bass, acoustic

Harvie S: acoustic bass; Sheryl Bailey: guitar.

Album information

Title: Plucky Strum | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Whaling City Sound

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