Derrick Harris Septet
And Then Some
Derrick Harris, a fine guitarist originally from South Wales, leads his own groups in the UK. He has been a sideman with the Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra and the Yorkshire Jazz Orchestra, and has worked extensively on radio and television, in touring productions of shows, and as accompanist to singers of various styles. His previous cd, Once More For Luck featured him in a pianoless trio.
And Then Some is a bit different for not only is Harris heard as an excellent jazz guitarist (inspired by Wes Montgomery and Grant Green but with a sound of his own), but as an arranger-composer for a septet. He contributed all eight selections and, while connected to the jazz tradition, they are quirky and full of subtle surprises, featuring fresh melodies and original chord changes.
The opening "Wait And See" is a scalar piece that is both complex and catchy. The solos by Harris, pianist Graham Hearn and tenor-saxophonist Joel Purnell are logical extensions of the theme. "Oh Really?" has the septet sounding a little reminiscent of late 1950s Miles Davis. Each of the horns plus Harris and Hearn have opportunities to solo during this forward-moving piece which has the lead voices being pushed by the ensemble riffs and accents. "Mysterious Ways" is a minor-toned medium-tempo piece that fits the title. Joel Purnell takes a particularly impressive solo.
The lively and cooking "Fly-By" is especially accessible while being a vehicle for solos that are both explorative and concise. The extroverted improvisations of Purnell, trumpeter Simon Nixon, trombonist Kevin Holbrough, Harris and Hearn make use of every second, saying a great deal in a brief period of time while displaying the attractive musical personalities of each musician.
"And Then Some" is a classic bluesy ballad that lends itself to warm statements from the musicians. "Latin Quarter" has a boppish melody and Latin rhythms, making it an excellent Afro-Cuban jazz vehicle for the septet. Concluding this highly enjoyable effort are the thoughtful and lyrical "First Light" and the rhythmically infectious "S'posing."
With bassist Paul Baxter and drummer Ronnie Bottomley giving the lead voices stimulating support, And Then Some is easily recommended to fans of modern straight ahead jazz. It serves as a perfect introduction to the playing and writing talents of Derrick Harris.
Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Bebop, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76
Derrick Harris, a fine guitarist originally from South Wales, leads his own groups in the UK. He has been a sideman with the Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra and the Yorkshire Jazz Orchestra, and has worked extensively on radio and television, in touring productions of shows, and as accompanist to singers of various styles. His previous cd, Once More For Luck featured him in a pianoless trio.
And Then Some is a bit different for not only is Harris heard as an excellent jazz guitarist (inspired by Wes Montgomery and Grant Green but with a sound of his own), but as an arranger-composer for a septet. He contributed all eight selections and, while connected to the jazz tradition, they are quirky and full of subtle surprises, featuring fresh melodies and original chord changes.
The opening "Wait And See" is a scalar piece that is both complex and catchy. The solos by Harris, pianist Graham Hearn and tenor-saxophonist Joel Purnell are logical extensions of the theme. "Oh Really?" has the septet sounding a little reminiscent of late 1950s Miles Davis. Each of the horns plus Harris and Hearn have opportunities to solo during this forward-moving piece which has the lead voices being pushed by the ensemble riffs and accents. "Mysterious Ways" is a minor-toned medium-tempo piece that fits the title. Joel Purnell takes a particularly impressive solo.
The lively and cooking "Fly-By" is especially accessible while being a vehicle for solos that are both explorative and concise. The extroverted improvisations of Purnell, trumpeter Simon Nixon, trombonist Kevin Holbrough, Harris and Hearn make use of every second, saying a great deal in a brief period of time while displaying the attractive musical personalities of each musician.
"And Then Some" is a classic bluesy ballad that lends itself to warm statements from the musicians. "Latin Quarter" has a boppish melody and Latin rhythms, making it an excellent Afro-Cuban jazz vehicle for the septet. Concluding this highly enjoyable effort are the thoughtful and lyrical "First Light" and the rhythmically infectious "S'posing."
With bassist Paul Baxter and drummer Ronnie Bottomley giving the lead voices stimulating support, And Then Some is easily recommended to fans of modern straight ahead jazz. It serves as a perfect introduction to the playing and writing talents of Derrick Harris.
Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Bebop, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76
North Wales Jazz Society
August 2013 Cheadle Jazz Guitar Club Newsletter
A report on the July gathering with special guest Derrick Harris.
A full house at Bijou listened intently to an excellent set by our special guest Derrick Harris, accompanied by Frank Grime (double bass).
Derrick played a selection of jazz standards, "Make Someone Happy" by Julie Styne in memory of Johnny Smith who played it on one of his albums, a waltz by Sergio Mikanovitch "Sometime Ago" (Jim Hall recorded it with the Art Farmer Quartet), "Just Squeeze Me", "A Weaver of Dreams" and "Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me" - a nod to one of Derrick's favourite players, Ed Bickert.
These jazz standards were beautifully played and were very much appreciated by members.
Trefor Owen
August 2013 Cheadle Jazz Guitar Club Newsletter
A report on the July gathering with special guest Derrick Harris.
A full house at Bijou listened intently to an excellent set by our special guest Derrick Harris, accompanied by Frank Grime (double bass).
Derrick played a selection of jazz standards, "Make Someone Happy" by Julie Styne in memory of Johnny Smith who played it on one of his albums, a waltz by Sergio Mikanovitch "Sometime Ago" (Jim Hall recorded it with the Art Farmer Quartet), "Just Squeeze Me", "A Weaver of Dreams" and "Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me" - a nod to one of Derrick's favourite players, Ed Bickert.
These jazz standards were beautifully played and were very much appreciated by members.
Trefor Owen
The Derrick Harris Trio @ The Railway, Stockport - August 31
Derrick Harris (guitar); Jez Platt (keyboards); Paul Smith (drums)
Although the flyer had the group listed as a quartet, it was in fact a trio. However, no one amongst the assembled jazz aficionados seemed to mind as the musicians turned in a fine performance on a very interesting selection of tunes. Harris is a self-confessed fan of the late great guitarist Wes Montgomery and the sound of his trio reminded me of an album by Montgomery that featured Melvin Rhyne on organ and which I now wish I hadn’t sold.
Jez Platt and Paul Smith did a great job in support of Harris on some challenging material which included tunes written by Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, John Schofield, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Duke Pearson. and Wes Montgomery. Derrick also included an original of his own called Zig Zag.
Thoughts about the gig. It was good to hear some tunes that not many people play, like the opening number, Victor Young’s Street of Dreams. The tune Lawns was introduced as being a Carla Bley composition which I hadn’t heard before. I enjoyed hearing Horace Silver’s Ecaroh again, it sounded good on guitar.
Derrick Harris lives in Leeds, Jez Platt has recently moved to the Lake District and I think Paul Smith lives in the Huddersfield area. I hope they made it home OK and return to the Railway before too long.
Mike Farmer
Street of Dreams; Shiny Stockings; One Morning in May; For Minors Only; Fried Pies; Zig Zag; I’ll Catch You; Ecaroh; If You Could See me Now; Twisted; Blues Chant; Lawns; Pent-up House; Groove-elation..
Derrick Harris (guitar); Jez Platt (keyboards); Paul Smith (drums)
Although the flyer had the group listed as a quartet, it was in fact a trio. However, no one amongst the assembled jazz aficionados seemed to mind as the musicians turned in a fine performance on a very interesting selection of tunes. Harris is a self-confessed fan of the late great guitarist Wes Montgomery and the sound of his trio reminded me of an album by Montgomery that featured Melvin Rhyne on organ and which I now wish I hadn’t sold.
Jez Platt and Paul Smith did a great job in support of Harris on some challenging material which included tunes written by Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, John Schofield, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Duke Pearson. and Wes Montgomery. Derrick also included an original of his own called Zig Zag.
Thoughts about the gig. It was good to hear some tunes that not many people play, like the opening number, Victor Young’s Street of Dreams. The tune Lawns was introduced as being a Carla Bley composition which I hadn’t heard before. I enjoyed hearing Horace Silver’s Ecaroh again, it sounded good on guitar.
Derrick Harris lives in Leeds, Jez Platt has recently moved to the Lake District and I think Paul Smith lives in the Huddersfield area. I hope they made it home OK and return to the Railway before too long.
Mike Farmer
Street of Dreams; Shiny Stockings; One Morning in May; For Minors Only; Fried Pies; Zig Zag; I’ll Catch You; Ecaroh; If You Could See me Now; Twisted; Blues Chant; Lawns; Pent-up House; Groove-elation..
Harris is a supreme bandleader in his own right, with many TV and Radio sessions under his belt. They don't get much better than this." - The Press