 It
has been awhile since we’ve heard from this sax
artist. While changing labels to Shanachie, his signature
sound has remained the same. The ten tracks on In
The Moment represent some of his best to date.
Six of the tracks were co-written with Rex Rideout in a matter
days. Smooth jazz artists George Brown, Norman Brown, Jonathan
Butler, Paul Jackson Jr. and Chuck Loeb spice up the mix
while continuing to stay close to the core of what’s
made this popular performer a fan favorite.
The first single, “Monday Speaks,” jumps right
off the page and is a blast to listen to. Harp’s sax
lends itself to Brown’s guitar as they play off each
other throughout. This Chuck Loeb tune has a great hook line
that you’ll be humming for hours. “Holla” is
mostly all sax, and displays Harp’s skills with dramatic
runs and melodic riffs. “Back To Basics” is a
real toe-tapper. George Duke adds in a nice piano solo while
Paul Jackson Jr. is held over from the last track to spice
things up with his guitar. Harp’s alto soars during
the chorus and is the driving instrument throughout. “Just
As You Are” is a Harp-penned tune that has the sax
man walking his instrument through this delightful number
while constantly accompanied by Jackson once again.
The title track is another Harp tune that features him on
soprano. The melody, while growing out of a “rock-flavored
guitar” riff, is haunting featuring the guitar of Jubu.
This one finishes with some impressive sax work as it comes
to a close. “Another Bedtime Story” features
Paul Jackson Jr. while Harp is heard on both alto and tenor.
They rhythm section keeps this one moving right along, and
Harp’s sax is as clear as ever. He and Jackson play
off each other to a resounding final. “No Doubt About
It!” is a funky highlight of Harp’s tenor with
a great hook that will be nice to hear live. “Night
Calls” is the most laid-back track. Harp brings in
the EWI to play alongside his alto. Jonathan Butler adds
his signature riffs while Everette soars on. “Happy
Accidental” closes with another Loeb tune that features
the two of them playing along together.
Said Harp, In The Moment is “all
about going into a creative scenario where I’m letting
things evolve naturally and I can enjoy the unexpected moments
along the way. It’s more exciting when you don’t
know the specific outcome in advance. You just know it’s
going to be good.” Indeed it is.
- Harvey Cline
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