Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bruce Harris: Soundview

Bruce Harris: Soundview

By Pierre Giroux
July 1, 2021
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Cory Weeds

saxophone, alto
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Cory Weeds, who is the executive producer of Soundview, is also the major domo behind The Cellar Music Group. This Vancouver, B.C. entity is committed to providing black artists with the opportunity to record and showcase their talent under the guidance of well-known trumpeter

Jeremy Pelt

trumpet
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeremy Pelt. This initial release features trumpeter

Bruce Harris

trumpet
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Bruce Harris and provides him with the launch pad to pay tribute to his family and community in the Bronx.

Accompanied by pianist

Sullivan Fortner

piano
b.1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Sullivan Fortner, bassist

David Wong

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">David Wong, drummer

Aaron Kimmel

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Kimmel as well as vocalist

Samara Joy

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Samara Joy on two tracks, Harris takes the band through a set of compositions which were written by African American composers (save one), all of whom made New York City their home.

The disc's title track, a Harris original, leads off in a mambo beat that is established by Wong's ostinato bass line and is then picked up the rhythm section. Both Harris and Fortner follow along with thematic statements as the beat continues in an irresistible way. "Satellite" by

Gigi Gryce

saxophone
1927 - 1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Gigi Gryce, although not as well known as a couple of his other compositions such as "Minority" or " Nica's Tempo," still has some of those unusual harmonic structures as the previously noted compositions. Harris is adept at navigating his way through this richly configured music.

The one composition that falls outside of the coterie of African American composers is the Johnny Mercer ballad "If You Were Mine." Vocalist Samara McClendon covers this number along with the

Barry Harris

piano
1929 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Barry Harris composition " Bird Of Red And Gold." In an economical, elegant and resourceful way, McClendon delivers the numbers in an engaging and lyrical style.

Hank Mobley

saxophone, tenor
1930 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Hank Mobley's composition "Hank's Prank" is a burner. Harris delivers the hard bop theme in dazzling and decisive style, which is picked up by pianist Fortner, showing that he has his own ideas that are delivered with clarity.

There is a delightfully structured

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington medley featuring "Black Beauty," "Drop Me Off In Harlem" and "Echos Of Harlem." These evocative compositions, which were arranged by Andy Farber, gives the band a structure that allows them to settle into a recreated style without rigidity or sentimentality. The final track on this session is the

Randy Weston

piano
1926 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Randy Weston number "Saucer Eyes." Offered at a brisk and spirited pace, Harris and Fortner show their energetic creativity and willingness to explore the boundaries of the composition.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Soundview; Satellite; Maybe It's Hazy; If You Were Mine; Hank's Plank; You're Lucky To Me; Ellington Suite; Bird Of Red And Gold; Saucer Eyes.

Personnel

Bruce Harris

trumpet

Sullivan Fortner

piano

David Wong

bass

Aaron Kimmel

drums

Samara Joy

vocals

Album information

Title: Soundview | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Cellar Live

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