Harrison Smith Quartet: Outside Inside

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: October 1, 2001

The U.K. based, “Harrison Smith Quartet” provides substantial correlation to the title of its new CD, as they most effectively delve into the outside and inside of modern jazz with this set consisting of exceptionally strong material. Multi-reedman, Harrison Smith leads his band through a series of intricately devised movements, spanning lushly organized voicings, budding undercurrents and vivid dreamscapes on the opener, “Outside Inside.” However, the musicians’ periodically kick the proceedings into high gear via melodically tinged themes and the lead soloists’ harmoniously constructed unison lines and heated exchanges. Needless to state, this outfit performs with the utmost conviction as they seamlessly blend sonorous arrangements with dashingly executed fireworks.

The quartet ventures into free-jazz territory during “Cliffhanger/”For U,” whereas they pursue a Latin vibe amid Smith’s radiant tenor sax work and pianist Liam Noble’s lyrically charged soloing on the piece titled, “On The Tiles.” Hence, Outside Inside constitutes a welcome if somewhat unexpected surprise, as the band is quite well known in Europe yet largely under recognized here on these American shores. Highly recommended.

USA distribution: Cadence

Track Listing: 1. Outside Inside 2. With Respect 3. Adventures with D.P. 4./5. Cliffhanger/For U. 6. All Sixes and Sevens 7. On the Tiles 8. Sweetie

Personnel: Harrison Smith: tenor/soprano saxophones, bass clarinet

Record Label: Slam Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream