Customer Reviews

Anthology

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This 2 cd set features the much maligned Eddie Harris. The anthology covers the years 1961-1981. The majority of the material is from his Atlantic years. This material ranges from his early jazz interpretation of "Exodus" to his later electric jazz funk experiments. During the seventies Eddie invented an electric device to attach to his saxophone as well as a trumpet played with a reed. Some critics thought these ideas were mere gimmicks. When he added more funk to his jazz, he was accused of "selling out". However the music on this compilation is both varied and enjoyable. The liner notes indicate that Eddie selected his favorite songs to include on this compilation. Some of the sideman include Cedar Walton, Billy Higgins, Jodie Christian, Ron Carter & Les McCann. Much of the music is really catchy such as "Listen Here", "Cold Duck Time" & "Sham Time" to name a few. This compilation also includes his best known composition "Freedom Jazz Dance". This set includes some out of print material which has not yet been issued on compact disc. If you like music that grooves, you will enjoy this compilation. It also contains enough straight acoustic jazz to interest the more conservative jazz listener. If you enjoyed this set you may also want to check out Rahasaan Roland Kirk another maligned but equally talented artist who recorded for Atlantic.

This is an interesting album because it tries to group together a collection of songs from an artist who is very eclectic. Eddie Harris's styles throughout his career range all the way from peaceful acoustic ballads to jaw-dropping funk. The only drawback I have with this anthology is that it is so randomly laid out. There isn't a cohesive chronological or even stylistic order to it. Don't let this deter you from picking it up though because there are some true gems on it that suit any jazz lover's taste. The first disc is highlighted by my favorite side of Eddie Harris which is the soul-funk. His simple, yet funky riffs on the electric sax (which he helped innovate) backed by a tight rhythm section are addictively catchy. Songs such as "Funkaroma", "It's All Right", "Cold Duck Time" and "Listen Here" put you in just the right groove. However, other tracks on this disc such as "Exodus" are very beautiful and have more of a mellow feel. The second disc is less consistent but is redeemed by Harris's standard masterpiece "Freedom Jazz Dance". Overall this anthology can please just about any jazz listener whether they are funky or laid back.

I was introduced to the music of the Electrifying sounds of Eddie Harris, when I was a wee lad of 9. My older brother played "Listen Here" in 1963. I have been in love with the man's music since that time. With "Listen Here", "Cold Duck Time", and "Sham Time", to the wonderful sounds of "Exodus", "The Shadow of Your Smile", and the irrepressable "Theme in Search of A Movie", you get the sense of the range this man had. There are some duds in here, but I do believe that when you're creating, trying to make new music, this will happen. You won't find that on Kenny G's music, because those guys are afraid to make NEW MUSIC, instead they stay with the commercial. I would tell anyone to get this set for their collection.

this catches all the great eddie harris tunes, like Listen Here, Sham Time, Freedom Jazz dance and others. Some of his early funk experiments stink (he ain't no Herbie Hancock), but when he keeps it acoustic it is great.