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Tom Harrell: Light On
But now he's back and, like that old friend, you can reasonably expect he has something to share. The debut of the new CD feels a bit momentous, frankly. In his liner notes, Neil Tesser makes a plea that listeners give this recording repeated spins if they are to hear totally what this trumpet man has to impart. But Harrell needs neither sell nor plea on his behalf.
More riches will be gleaned from subsequent hearings. But Harrell is so exquisite and distinctive a playerthe same can be said for his compositionsthat certain things stand out plainly and elegantly from the start. Can you miss, even at first hearing, that something remarkable is going on in "Nights at Catalonia or "Architect of Time ? And if you're not sure you've come to the right place immediately, jump to Harrell's solo in "Contrary Mary.
The sure fire of Harrell's trumpet and flugelhorn defies categorization, light and ethereal and at the same time solid and dead-on with certainty, yet imbued with the fragility and resilience that accompany human existence. Words can't convey the ineffable, the music must. And Harrell gives it everything he has.
In realizing his ideas, spun on singular chord changes and stunning melodic hooks, improvisation and composed movements, he seems to have chosen the best of bands. Tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery unfurls voicings that offer contrasting tones and textures to the horn master's efforts. Bassist Ugonna Okegwo is solid, picking up on nuances of the themes with ease. Danny Grissett sparkles on piano and Fender Rhodes. Johnathan Blake rides and crashes confidently.
Harrell's never been a blow-hard. If he has a big ego it doesn't show. All the more reason why this is a house guest you want to have around.
Track Listing
Va; Sky Life; Contrary Mary; Fountain; Nights at Catalonia; The Gronk; Architect of Time; Bad Stuff; Blue Caribe; Va (reprise).
Personnel
Tom Harrell
trumpetTom Harrell: trumpet, flugelhorn; Wayne Escoffery: tenor saxophone; Danny Grissett: piano and Fender Rhodes; Ugonna Okegwo: bass; Johnathan Blake: drums.
Album information
Title: Light On | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: HighNote Records
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