Jazz Articles about Jeff Harshbarger

About Jeff Harshbarger

Liner Notes

In his 30-plus years in music, Matt Otto has, in addition to mastering improvising and training his ear to near perfection, learned to write incredibly complex compositions, challenging in every musical aspect: melodic, harmonic, rhythmic. Yet even now, his composing continues to evolve. “I feel like it's maybe less evolution than like going back to my roots," the tenor saxophonist contravenes. “I started out being a mostly free player, and I'm missing as I get older more of ...

Album Review

Matt Otto: Umbra

Read "Umbra" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
August 9, 2023

This music--nine Matt Otto originals--has the feeling of shadowy sounds. Shapes without defined borders emerge. On the opener, “Little Things," the core trio--the leader plus bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer John Kizilarmut--are joined by Fender Rhodes player Matt Villinger and guitarist Alex Frank. The electronic resonance gives the sound an alluring and shadowy blur, as does the guest guitarist. Saxophonist Matt Otto boasts a large discography. Notable selections include two previous Origin Records releases, 2009's Red (review here) ...