Search - Donald Harrison Jr., New Orleans Legacy Ensemble :: Spirits of Congo Square

Spirits of Congo Square
Donald Harrison Jr., New Orleans Legacy Ensemble
Spirits of Congo Square
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

What distinguishes Donald Harrison's back-to-Nawlins project is the way his ensemble is able to seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements into a cohesive package. Nothing here sounds forced or heavy-handed, whether ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Donald Harrison Jr., New Orleans Legacy Ensemble
Title: Spirits of Congo Square
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Candid Records
Original Release Date: 3/7/2000
Release Date: 3/7/2000
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 708857975921

Synopsis

Amazon.com's Best of 2000
What distinguishes Donald Harrison's back-to-Nawlins project is the way his ensemble is able to seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements into a cohesive package. Nothing here sounds forced or heavy-handed, whether the band attacks traditional New Orleans fare, bebop classics, or original material. The irresistible rhythms of New Orleans take center stage, and Harrison's crack crew of hornmen know exactly what to do with them. --Marc Greilsamer

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CD Reviews

Well Produced
Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/17/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)

"New Orleans alto saxman Donald Harrison, Jr. has put together quite an ensemble to support him on this energetic recording: Nicholas Payton, Marlon Jordan, and Jamil Sharif on trumpets; Delfeayo Marsalis on trombone; Louis Ford on clarinet; Victor Goines on tenor sax; Peter Martin on piano; Elton Heron on bass, Adonis Rose on drums, and John O'Neal, who does a vocal/poetry recitation on the opening cut. The music ranges over traditional New Orleans tunes (e.g., "Two Pockey Way," "Just a Closer Walk with Three"), jazz standards (e.g., "Bye-Ya," "Oleo"), an original by Harrison ("Don't Drink the Water"), and a poetic recital by O'Neal, accompanied by percussion, that really sets the tone for the rest of the album by introducing the second-line rhythm that underlies all the arrangements. All of the cuts are excellent; for me, the real standout is the group's arrangement of Sonny Rollins's "Oleo," which responds well to the New Orleans-style arrangement that it gets here.



This set was recorded back in 1996 in New Orleans. It is a great CD that still rings true, and I recommend it highly to all jazz fans. Sound quality is solid if unspectacular, the liner notes are informative, and a really nice production detail is the identification of the soloists in the listing of tunes. A wonderful release!"