Winard Harper: A Time For The Soul

Ever since his days with The Harper Brothers in the early 1990's, Winard Harper has been establishing himself as a musician to be reckoned with. Now, at the helm of a crackling young sextet, Harper proves his mettle as a master drummer and as a whip-smart band leader as well.

This is one seriously together band. The rhythm section is ball-bearing smooth, feisty and fiery. They lay down a carpet of surging swing, and while the beat may get complex, the polyrhthms of Harper and Jones always serve the music. The horns solo authoritatively and succinctly, and while trumpeter Rickman and saxophonist Horton haven't quite found their own voices yet, it's clear they're actively searching. Horton, more so than Rickman, has developed his own sound, and both horn players studiously avoid cliches. Pianist Patton plays with a lot of heat, and he is featured to advantage on "Alone Together."

Highlights abound on this album: the relaxed bluesy swing of "Mr. Baggy Pants," the up-tempo roar of "About Face," the ferocious pure groove of "Glorify"; Patton's drive and luxurious chording, Saleem's rock-steady time, the conviction and invention of Rickman and Horton; and above all, the authoritative drumming and leadership of Winard Harper.