Bob Reynolds: Eddie Told Me So

When Bob Reynolds first heard tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris, he was more than impressed. "I've been inspired by his music ever since," Reynolds writes. Indeed, he was. So inspired, in fact, that there is more than a little Harris in his tenor's tone and temper on Eddie Told Me So, in which Reynolds' quartet does its best to refresh the Harris legacy for a new generation of listeners as well as for those who may have overlooked the legendary tenor the first time around.

Even though the songs are dissimilar, the Harris vibe and groove are ever-present. That includes generous helpings of soul and funk to accompany frequent forays into the tenor's altissimo register. Reynolds is on his game here, managing without imitation to infuse into every solo and chart Harris' unique and convivial spirit. He avoids plowing old ground, choosing instead to perform five standards from the Great American Songbook to complement his original themes, "Harrisburg" and "Eddie Told Me So."

Drummer Charles Ruggiero, who posed the idea for an album of Harris' music after noticing similarities in Reynolds' playing, anchors a perceptive rhythm section whose other members are guitarist Andrew Renfroe and bassist Mike Gurrola. Although Reynolds commands most of the solo space, Renfroe slips in from time to time and has some engaging thoughts to share.

The straight-on "Harrisburg," inspired by Harris' album Swiss Movement (Atlantic, 1969) with pianist Les McCann, leads to the standards "When Your Lover Has Gone," Irving Berlin's "Change Partners" (played Latin-style) and a fast-paced duo/trio version of "Just Friends" on which Reynolds is paired first with Gurrola and later with Ruggiero. "Eddie Told Me So," a nod to one of Harris' signature themes, "Freedom Jazz Dance," swings hard from start to finish, as does Reynolds' limber solo and another by Renfroe. Henry Mancini's seductive "Charade" is next, and the quartet wraps the package with a tasteful reading of Don Raye and Gene DePaul's plaintive ballad, "You Don't Know What Love Is."

Eddie Harris fans should relish this honest and well-performed tribute, which may succeed as well in widening that fan base to encompass younger listeners.