Customer Reviews

In the Moment

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Sax man Everette Harp has been on the whole Smooth Jazz ride, from the early days when it was called "New Adult Contemporary" 'til now, when it's a brand name. The thing that I've always liked and been impressed with about Everette's work is that he always stays true to the real roots of this music...jazz. That vibe always comes through in his playing, whether he's jamming or playing it sweet. He's been inspired by legends like Grover and Stanley Turrentine and Hank Crawford, he's been a sideman for so many superstars I'd use up my entire allotment of words just to list them. IN THE MOMENT is his 7th solo album, and his Shanachie debut. It has exceeded my expectations, and they were high to begin with! He's surrounded himself on this project with the best of the best, including special guests Norman Brown, George Duke, Jonathan Butler, Chuck Loeb, and Paul Jackson, Jr. The tunes are all originals, and vary from compelling ballads ("Just as You Are" and the title track) to funky jams ("Back to Basics" and "No Bout a Doubt It"), and of course the album is loaded with radio-friendly Smooth Jazz hits, including the first single, "Monday Speaks," which features Norman Brown. And yes, all these tunes have that solid jazz underpinning that stays true to the roots. I really dig Everett Harp's new CD, IN THE MOMENT, and recommend it as a must-have. Just open up your music library and let it in!~SCOTT O'BRIEN

In The Moment is aptly titled since I think these last two releases are some of Everette's best work. Too bad the format gets so little attention. However this project should get lots of attention. EH's distinctive sax voice is joined by plenty of incredible talented musicians. Norman Brown joins EH on the first Chuck Loeb written track. Paul Jackson Jr. (arguably one of the best musicans on the guitar)joins EH for 2nd track. George Duke is featured on the 3rd track. Paul is featured on the 6th track. One of my personal favorites Jonathan Butler is featured vocally and on guitar on teh 9th track and finally Chuck Loeb is featured on the 10th. Despite the guest appearances of so many influential musicians, this CD is assuredly Everette Harp. Truthfully, it is a CD like this that makes me happy that musicians are still releasing entire projects since so much of the material released has 1 or 2 good tracks and the rest is .... not worth the money. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Prior to listening to this CD, I personally did not know much about Everette Harp. I must tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I enjoyed six out of ten cuts on this CD (huge satisfaction). The CD has an eclectic but rich flavor about it. Definitely worth your time and definitely a sublime pleasure for the contemporary jazz enthusiast. It is safe to say I will be adding more of his work to my jazz collection.

Let me first preface this by saying that by no means should I be considered the biggest Everette Harp fan. He has always made good CDs, but there were always some songs that spoiled the CD. However, that started to change when 'Better Days' was released, which until now was my favorite Harp CD. 'In the Moment' not only exceeds that CD, which is by no means a small feat, it is already one of my favorite Smooth Jazz CD of all time. I could go on and on about which cuts are my favorites, but the problem is I can not pick one. They all have a different flavor, and are well written. Ultimately, it is like taking the best elements of all of Everette's CD's and putting them into one. Whether you are just a smooth jazz aficionado or an Everette Harp fan, this CD is an absolute must have!

An excellent CD by Everett Harp. Soulful all the way. One of his best CD's.