Harris, Bruce
Cellar Live, 2021, CD
Instrument: Trumpet
Issue: 27.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 90
O’s Notes: Trumpeter Bruce Harris leads a quartet with Sullivan Fortner (p), David Wong (b) and Aaron Kimmel (d). It’s easy to visualize the band because the recording (excellent special dispersion) makes it easy to isolate band members and appreciate their contributions as if you were at the club. There’s a bubbly ragtime groove on “Ellington’s Suite” and vocalist Samara McClendon warms up the stage on two selections, notably “Bird of Red and Gold”. Bruce swings on “Maybe It’s Hazy” that also includes a fine solo from Wong. Harris takes it up a notch on “Hank’s Pranks” before warming up the ballad, “You’re Lucky To Me”. Soundview is the first in a series of releases by Black artists produced by Jeremy Pelt in Cellar Live. We’re in for a treat!
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions
