Search - Gene Harris :: In His Hands

The Devil's Music and the Lord's

Tim Smith | Bonney Lake, WA United States | 09/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Is this a jazz or gospel CD? The answer is: yes. Nothing challenging here, just some praiseworthy good times. If you have been fortunate enough to attend church meetings with keyboardists like the late (and greatly-missed) Gene Harris or Jack McDuff, then you know what much of the shouting is about at those big revival meetings. I'm a big Gene Harris fan and he was in fine form here, swinging particularly hard on "Battle Hymn of the Republic", "This Little Light of Mine" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." It's obvious that Gene loved and was comfortable with this music and these songs. The two biggest surprises for me (both pleasant) were "Amazing Grace" and "(Jesus Keeps Me) Near the Cross". When I first heard "Amazing Grace", I was sure it was Ray Charles. Vocalist Curtis Stigers does a beautifully soulful job on this timeless classic while Gene plays some very bluesy piano. "(Jesus Keeps Me) Near the Cross" is a duet between McDuff and Harris that brought back memories of my childhood. I was taken back to the days when I would be home from school and my mother would listen to Gospel radio all morning while she did her chores. How I would have liked to have heard Gene play "The Old Rugged Cross"!When I first listened to this CD, I was slightly disappointed and nearly gave it only three stars. After a few more listens I realized, however, that the disappointment was due to my preconceived notions of what I thought the CD would be like. Once I accepted it for what Gene wanted it to be and not what I thought it would be, I grew to like it. Now, I listen to it quite often.If you are under the impression that Gospel music is boring or that jazz can't be done reverently, give this a listen and see if maybe your opinion doesn't change."

Solid Gene Harris versions of Spirituals

David Haile | Ft. Collins, CO USA | 10/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gene Harris has used some unique vocalists for this recording, and it works very well! His daughter Niki does a fantastic version of Battle Hymn of the Republic. It is also good to hear some refreshing renditions of standards that we don't hear too often - This Little Light Of Mine is a favorite."

Awesome Christian Music

Jean G | Colorado Springs, CO USA | 12/01/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is so great. Every time I put it on, I'm dancing around the kitchen and enjoying the music. This is another of Gene Harris' great work. If you like Gene Harris' music style, this is one I would recommend. I only wish the Christian radio stations would play music like this. It has a great jazz/swing sound, and honestly, my husband and I fight over where it is kept in the house."