DERRICK HARRIS SEPTET And Then Some

Derrick Harris, a fine guitarist originally from South Wales, leads his own groups in the UK. He has been a sideman with the Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra and the Yorkshire Jazz Orchestra, and has worked extensively on radio and television, in touring productions of shows, and as accompanist to singers of

DERRICK HARRIS SEPTET And Then Some

Derrick Harris, a fine guitarist originally from South Wales, leads his own groups in the UK. He has been a sideman with the Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra and the Yorkshire Jazz Orchestra, and has worked extensively on radio and television, in touring productions of shows, and as accompanist to singers of various styles. His previous cd, Once More For Luck featured him in a pianoless trio. And Then Some is a bit different for not only is Harris heard as an excellent jazz guitarist (inspired by Wes Montgomery and Grant Green but with a sound of his own), but as an arranger-composer for a septet. He contributed all eight selections and, while connected to the jazz tradition, they are quirky and full of subtle surprises, featuring fresh melodies and original chord changes. The opening "Wait And See" is a scalar piece that is both complex and catchy. The solos by Harris, pianist Graham Hearn and tenor-saxophonist Joel Purnell are logical extensions of the theme. "Oh Really?" has the septet sounding a little reminiscent of late 1950s Miles Davis. Each of the horns plus Harris and Hearn have opportunities to solo during this forward-moving piece which has the lead voices being pushed by the ensemble riffs and accents. "Mysterious Ways" is a minor-toned medium-tempo piece that fits the title. Joel Purnell takes a particularly impressive solo. The lively and cooking "Fly-By" is especially accessible while being a vehicle for solos that are both explorative and concise. The extroverted improvisations of Purnell, trumpeter Simon Nixon, trombonist Kevin Holbrough, Harris and Hearn make use of every second, saying a great deal in a brief period of time while displaying the attractive musical personalities of each musician. "And Then Some" is a classic bluesy ballad that lends itself to warm statements from the musicians. "Latin Quarter" has a boppish melody and Latin rhythms, making it an excellent Afro-Cuban jazz vehicle for the septet. Concluding this highly enjoyable effort are the thoughtful and lyrical "First Light" and the rhythmically infectious "S'posing." With bassist Paul Baxter and drummer Ronnie Bottomley giving the lead voices stimulating support, And Then Some is easily recommended to fans of modern straight ahead jazz. It serves as a perfect introduction to the playing and writing talents of Derrick Harris.

Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Bebop, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76