What's Happening?
Saxophonist Seamus Blake has released a new album titled 'EH! The Electrifying Seamus Blake Plays the Music of Eddie Harris,' paying tribute to the often-underrated jazz musician Eddie Harris. The album, recorded for Cory Weeds' Cellar Jazz label, features
a funky and groove-oriented exploration of Harris's compositions, including both well-known and more obscure pieces. Blake's deep dive into Harris's work began over a decade ago when he was approached to perform a tribute gig. He assembled a band for the recording, including Sam Yahel on keyboards, Tim Lefebvre on bass, Corey Fonville on drums, and Dawn Pemberton on vocals. The album specifically focuses on the 'electric' and funkier side of Harris's extensive musical catalog, reflecting a contemporary interest in that era's sound.
Why It's Important?
This album is significant for bringing renewed attention to Eddie Harris, a jazz saxophonist who, despite a prolific career and crossover hits like 'Exodus' and 'Swiss Movement,' remains less recognized than many of his contemporaries. Harris was an innovator, an early adopter of electronic effects for reeds, and an inventor of unique instruments like the reed trumpet and saxobone. His versatility, blending bop, funk, and blues, may have contributed to his under-the-radar status, as his stylistic range made him difficult to categorize. Seamus Blake's tribute aims to highlight Harris's unique contributions, particularly his pioneering use of electronics and his distinctive high-register saxophone playing, which influenced later generations of saxophonists. The album serves as an educational and celebratory project, encouraging listeners to explore Harris's rich legacy and understand his impact on jazz and funk music.
What's Next?
Seamus Blake plans to tour with the music from 'EH! The Electrifying Seamus Blake Plays the Music of Eddie Harris,' aiming to bring the 'fun music' to live audiences. This touring effort will further promote Eddie Harris's legacy and introduce his compositions to new listeners. Blake hopes the album will spark curiosity among jazz enthusiasts and the general public, encouraging them to delve into Harris's extensive discography. The project also highlights the ongoing trend of contemporary jazz artists reinterpreting and celebrating the works of past innovators, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten. The album's focus on the funkier, electric side of Harris's music aligns with current musical tastes, potentially broadening its appeal beyond traditional jazz audiences and solidifying Harris's place in the jazz canon.
Beyond the Headlines
The album's focus on Eddie Harris's innovative use of electronics and his genre-bending approach sheds light on a deeper aspect of musical evolution: the integration of technology and the fluidity of genre boundaries. Harris was a pioneer in using electronic effects on his saxophone, a practice that was not always embraced by traditional jazz purists but became commonplace in later decades. His willingness to experiment and blend bop with funk and blues demonstrates an artistic freedom that transcended commercial pressures, even if it sometimes led to him being overlooked. This project implicitly questions how musical innovation is recognized and canonized, suggesting that artists who defy easy categorization may face a longer path to widespread acclaim. It also underscores the importance of contemporary artists like Seamus Blake in preserving and recontextualizing the contributions of their predecessors, ensuring that their influence is understood and appreciated by new generations.
