- Playa Haters
- Real life Stories
- Swept From the Sea
- Oleo
- A Night in Tunisia
- Strange Day
- Take Five
- I’m Barred
- Keep the Faith
Donald Harrison – Alto
Christian Scott – Trumpet
Eric Reed – Piano
Jonathan Lefcoski – Piano
Vicente Archer – Bass
John Lamkin – Drums
Donald Harrison was born in New Orleans, studied
with Ellis Marsalis, and at Berklee School of Music in Boston.
He became a member of the Jazz messengers when he was still
only 22, the trumpet player in the Messengers at that time was
Terence Blanchard and their co-operation continued after both
had left the band. He also worked very successfully with the
John Faddis Quintet.
Although Harrison is obviously a Parker disciple,
he is not a man to copy anyone else’s licks. He is very proud
of his roots in American Indian culture and always introduces
elements of the rhythms of Mardi Gras and folk into his performances.
On this occasion the sleeve notes are informative,
perhaps even a bit over the top! There seems to be an attempt
to convince us that ‘nouveau swing’ is something completely
different to anything that happened before, but I don’t think
so. It sounds to me like a logical extension of what went before,
but very well played by an exciting bunch of musicians, mostly
young, who all have an excellent future to look forward to.
I think that the programme is very well chosen,
mixing familiar jazz themes with original compositions by members
of the band. I am sure this format is much more suited to holding
the attention of the listener than a never-ending diet of the
unfamiliar.
Having heard this album, I shall be looking out for the next one
and hoping that Donald Harrison will be in the Midlands soon. I like
his musical approach.
Don Mather
CD Reviews
Nagel Heyer
NHCD2022
