Winard Harper SextetMake It Happen Feeling lethargic? Winard Harper’s latest release is a sure cure. His drum along with the brilliant percussion of Alioune Faye, Kevin Jones and Jeremy Jones explode from jump-start as a Latin/Caribbean excursion on Charlie Parker’s “Segment.” The band might be dubbed a sextet on the cover but that’s hardly a true count—this group is loaded. Harper, who burst on the jazz scene teamed with his brother trumpeter Philip Harper (anyone remember when he blew with Kermit Ruffins at Little People’s Place?), has enjoyed a brilliant career as sideman and leader and pulls together all of his experience and influences for this multi-faceted project. The drummer brings in the cream such as trombonist Wycliffe Gordon with whom he first shared a bandstand in vocalist Betty Carter’s ensemble. With Harper on balafon, Gordon puts down his ‘bone to pick up the didgeridoo for an unusual intro to the drummer’s original title cut. The combination brings an Asian tinge to the opening but in a surprisingly twist the direction gets funky. A quiet moment follows with tenor man Antonio Hart at the head blowing soulfully in a trio setting with bassist Ameen Saleem and Harper who displays his finesse with a ballad. Faves include Gordon’s fast-flying “Get It! Here, Winard lets loose between super tight ensemble work from the horns. A splash of his cymbals sets the mood for another tune from Winard’s pen on the freewheeling “Divine Surveillance.” Trumpeter Josh Evans along with Clark burn. Can’t say enough about all these strong players – check pianist Sean Higgins swinging on top of the tap dance of Harper’s drums. Nice. New material, standard tunes, world music and straight-up jazz in the hands of masters Make It Happen. Subscribe to offBeat and receive a FREE JazzFest CD! |
