6th November 2015: “If music is a language, then guitarist Joel Harrison is a polyglot.” 4 Stars from DownBeat Magazine for ‘Spirit House’ ft: Cuong Vu, Paul Hanson, Kermit Driscoll and Brian Blade plus latest review round-up.
A broad-thinking musician with a prolific and extensive back catalog of releases – from duo and chamber to big band formats, from West African to North Indian collaborations – renowned Washington DC-born guitarist and composer Joel Harrison now turns his attention to a quintet recording featuring the intriguing front line of trumpet (Cuong Vu) and bassoon (Paul Hanson). Completed by NYC bassist Kermit Driscoll (bass) and the influential eminence of drummer Brian Blade, Harrison has created a genuine improvisers’ record on Spirit House with a conceptual focus very much on the intuitive skills of these specific players.
Reproduced below is a selection of highlights from the latest round of reviews received for Spirit House and you can read the full version of the review in Jazzwise Magazine of the CD launch show at London’s Pizza Express: (here)
“If music is a language, then guitarist Joel Harrison is a polyglot.”
DownBeat Magazine (digital edition) (scroll down to see full review)
”Expressive and yet subtle music… rich contrast… highly recommended.”
Drums and Percussion (website)
“Interesting variations of rhythm, inspired soloing and plenty of improvisation... A great recording.”
Concerto
“Joel Harrison is one of the most discreetly active guitarists who deserves open ears and concentrated listening.”
HiFi & Records (website)
“The American guitarist Joel Harrison feels very comfortable in many musical varieties from jazz to rock and country as well as from West African to North Indian soundscapes; he understands very well their worlds and the intention behind his music.”
Musikreviews (website)
“Joel Harrison has a distinctive expressiveness as both a guitarist and singer.”
Medien Info (website)
”An amazement of unpredictability.”
Saarbrücker Zeitung (website)
“Spirit House is Joel Harrison’s magum opus, as you would rarely find such a fine line between so many styles and genres drawn.”
Jazz Podium (website)
”Captures wonderfully the improvisational nature of the musicians.”
Rheinmain Magazine
“[Spirit House] fascinates, captures and takes the listener on a journey.”
Nachrichten
“A wild roller coaster between modern, freestyle, improvisations and ambience.”
In Music
“Interesting variations of rhythm, inspired soloing and plenty of improvisation... A great recording.”
Concerto (website)
DownBeat Nov 2015