Craig Harris: Souls Within the Veil

The ensemble blows mellow for a velvety opening statement by Harris on "The Veil." Byron keeps it all blues, then Cecil McBee and Billy Hart support Coleman's flight, which is looser than his ensemble work. Byron soars on clarinet, generating applause mid-solo. Hart duets with Kahil El'Zabar's hand drumming to introduce "The Color Line." Graham Haynes paints incisive lines through burning rhythms and smeary horns. After Coleman bubbles lava, Harris sprays flame, then Lake throws an incendiary device—his alto.

A low-key ensemble opens the second CD with "Double Consciousness," supporting a soulful bass clarinet workout that Byron pushes beyond the upper range. Haynes restores order on "The Talented Tenth" until Coleman burns through, then Harris joins for a brief duet. "Seldom a Word," turns a gospel page with Harris and McBee testifying. McBee's deep arco cues more brilliance from Bluiett, who continues a capella into "TestiMoan Tro 2."

"TestiMoan Tro 3" belongs to Coleman, who makes it a lyrical stroll. His lovely variations segue into "City of a Hundred Hills," a swing ensemble piece driven by Hart and McBee's deceptively light touch. Hugh Ragin takes over with scorching brass, then hands off to McBee's popping dextrous bass. Harris provides a thoughtful coda with plunger mute on "A Tale Twice Told."

While Harris has been in creative overdrive for years, Souls Within the Veil argues strongly for more thorough documentation of this artist's vision.

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