Everette Harp has reached deep into his heart and soul for his eighth solo album and his sophomore effort for Shanachie Records.  My Inspiration, dedicated to his late father, Rev. Miller M. Harp, Sr., features collaborative efforts from Paul Brown, Jeff Lorber, George Duke, Brian Simpson, Doc Powell, and James Lloyd.  Add in famed producer Rex Rideout and you have a winning combination.

Opening the CD is the kickin’ tune, “Juke Joint.”  James Lloyd handles the keyboards, filling in the melody around Everette’s sax, and has a great solo mid-song.  This track has that old jazz club funk to it and is a great start.  “All Jazzed Up (and Nowhere to go)” is just cool.  It’s pure sax with no catchy hook.  Just jazz.  “In Time” slows things down a bit, but never looks that cool, soulful sound.  The bluesy melody makes you close your eyes and just melt into the tune.  A look back with “Old School” gives you the 70s groove that we all remember and that radio just loves these days.  Perhaps that’s why it’s the albums first single.  It fun and melodic.

“Funky Palisades,” co-written with Jeff Lorber, is one of the standout tracks on the CD.  It’s funky, fast-paced and has amazing sax work.  Everette just cuts loose and really has a great time providing the power in the song.  The gospel-infused, “In My Father’s Eyes” has such emotion behind it.  Dedicated to Everette’s father, he pours himself into this one, making the listener feel that pain of losing a parent, and the joy of their support and inspiration.  “Chasin’” picks up the pace once again, this time with keyboards provided by George Duke.  The two of them just rip on this one.  George has a solo that is unbelievable and Everette’s sax goes to another dimension.  Pairing up with another keyboardist, Brian Simpson, “Wait 4 U” is catchy and more improvisational.  The sax and keys play off each other allowing each to stretch out.  The only cover is the 80’s tune “Don’t Look Any Further.”  With Doc Powell on guitar accompanying Everette, and vocal provided by both Everette and Lauren Evans, this is another track to take you back.  The acoustic guitar gives it a different spin.

Closing things out is the title track, “My Inspiration.”  This is a total vocal dedication to the unconditional support that Everette received from his father.  With vocals from Everette, you learn truly how versatile a musician he is.  The gentle guitar offered up by Dwight Sills, provides the peaceful melody alongside the  beautiful words.  This is a very fitting closure to this outstanding CD.

Many thought that a follow-up to the successful In The Moment CD might not garner as much attention.  This CD will bring more.  Kudos to Everette Harp for truly inspiring music.

- Bonnie Schendell