Search - Tom Harrell :: Wise Children

Pure Jazz Excellence

M. Litt | East Coast @ 80 mph. USA | 10/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe it was Frank Zappa who said " Writing about music is like dancing about architecture " - meaning that often words fall short in describing music as it is such a unique invisible entity. That sentiment expressed, I find the latest release 'Wise Children' from Tom Harrell to be an exceptionally fascinating varied selection of jazz themes that once again reaffirms Mr. Harrell vast talent for composition, arrangement and displays his brilliant trumpet and flugelhorn abilities. On this exceptionally recorded release Mr. Harrell works with his current ultra-tight quintet [ also featured on the excellent 'Live at the Village Vanguard' cd ] accompanied on most tunes with additional support incorporating a wide variety of instruments including congas, violins, cello, accordion and even a kalimba and balafon. On four separate tracks four female jazz vocalists, including Dianne Reeves and Cassandra Wilson, contribute with their remarkable talents. The biting opening track 'Paz' lifts off with accordion and bass and quickly the listener is awash with a wonderful combination of horns, percussion and strings. A firm percussive lifeline of congas and bongos links it all together. Trumpet, saxophone, flute, French horn, viola and violin all intertwine, intersect, overlap and underlay together with remarkable direction and execution. Mr. Harrell1s trumpet solo is phrased with bravado and calculated precision. Like riding a sonic Vespa through the back streets of Rome on a perfect summer1s evening - around every turn and corner colorful splashes of trumpet, strings, sax and crisp rhythms envelope you briefly only to be replaced with even more surprising sonic revelations. 'Kalimba' begins with serengeti-inspired sparse instrumentation tense with cautious pacing like a feline stalking his prey. It beckons the listener to discover what is unseen and then transforms with controlled mellowness into a sultry, sauntering piece resplendent with beautiful piano by Xavier Davis and acoustic bass by Ugonna Okegwo. Most tropical. 'Radiant Moon' is my favorite of the tracks featuring vocals as Claudia Acuna melds perfectly with the band. It is Quincy Davis who steals the spotlight as he commands the tune from behind his drum kit. He plays with an unrelenting drive, fiercely swinging on his ride cymbal, the warm crack of his snare propelling the band. The successfully adventurous and expressive drummer lays down some serious doubletime tom fills behind a vibrant trumpet solo - the two players conversing with daring syncopation and intensity.'What Will They Think Of Next' is a deadly confident, strutting funky effort that unfolds with aggressive determination. The rhythm section, this time with electric bass by Ugonna Okegwo, are so in the pocket they seem to exist in an even smaller pocket within the original one. Tight horns by Jimmy Greene on sax and Mr. Harrell1s trumpet prevail. An exceptionally tasteful, bold trumpet solo dances over such a solid rhythm section, highlighted by Quincy Davis' open hi-hat work and firm, tasteful conga playing by Cafe. 'Snow' a contemplative gentle song showcases Xavier Davis1 tender piano work and beautifully phrased trumpet playing delivered with deep emotion. Mr. Harrell1s continued mastery of Afro-Hispanic-American time concepts are upbeat and refreshing on 'Heavens'. The title track 'Wise Children' concludes the disc with a composition most haunting and heartfelt - conjuring mysterious images of a ship drifting back into a foggy port after an exhaustive journey, the remaining crew bearing somber news.Mr. Harrell and fellow musicians combine complex arrangements, seductive rhythms, advanced harmonic concepts, vibrant solos and the sheer inspiration of the human spirit within this excellent release. His trumpet playing, whether it be delivered with tasteful funky certainty or gentle resonant shading, is simply astounding. On 'Wise Children' the deft subtlety of his intricate arrangements and unique instrumentation sets this recording far above even the best in jazz. A wonderful gift from Mr. Harrell to the world - I am better for having heard it."