Search - Billy Harper :: Destiny Is Yours

Vital, exuberant, essential, robust - Jazz as it should be.

NDBx | New York, NY United States | 02/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Harper records far too rarely for a saxophonist with such a strong identifiable voice. He embodies the best of the tenor master's legacy. This recording is strong throughout, there are no low points.



Solid arrangments, unison passages and solos. Eddie Henderson on Trumpet, Clarence Seay on Bass, Norman Taylor Baker and Francesca Tanksley form a fine working unit on this recording.



Harper plays wonderfully throughout with a robust tone that is reminiscent of both Wayne Shorter and Dexter Gordon with John Coltrane thrown in. Make no mistake, though. Mr.Harper has his own sound. He so successfully conveys a range of emotion on his playing while providing some impressive technical prowess.



This group plays so inventively that it injects new life into even an overworked pieces such as "My Funny Valentine". That was the thing that impressed me most that they could re-work this piece and give a new life by conveying a passionate emotion distinct from those conveyed in previous renditions by other groups.



Mr. Harper has a refreshing take on ballads that so few saxophonists have these days. He is reminiscent of Wayne Shorter in his economy with notes. He never runs away with himself and has a keen ear for the context in which he is playing.



This group takes it's time and with great care develop a piece. For me, "If Only One Could See", One That Makes the Rain Stop", "My Funny Valentine", and "Destiny is Yours" are true high points.



This one is definitely a keeper to go right next to "Speak No Evil", "Blues and the Abstract Truth" and other classic depictions of the modern jazz aesthetic.



"

Destiny almost reached

Jeff Curl | Upton, MA | 10/03/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Harper is one of the best concerts I have ever been to in any music genre. His spriituality borders Coltrane. I recommend him to any Jazz fan, and this album is a decent sample of his stuff. I have to admit, though, that I'm a little burned out by My Funny Valentine covers. Try him, you'll like him."