On tenor saxophonist
Billy Harper's Steeplechase debut, he and his working band of trumpeter
Eddie Henderson, pianist Francesca Tanksley, bassist Clarence Seay, and drummer Newman Taylor Baker perform six originals, five written by
Harper, and the oft-played standard "My Funny Valentine," played here a little faster than usual. A veteran of groups led by jazz greats
Art Blakey,
Max Roach,
Randy Weston,
Gil Evans, and
Lee Morgan, the vastly under-recognized
Harper is a master tenor saxophonist who has developed a unique sound on his chosen instrument, sometimes very passionate, sometimes very lyrical. His compositions, characterized by shifting tempos and themes played over insistent vamps, always have a spiritual, uplifting quality to them. Highlights include the title track, a medium-tempo waltz, Tanksley's "Dance in the Question," which alternates between an up-tempo 4/4 and a slower 3/4 section, and
Harper's "Groove From Heaven," a medium-tempo swinger which alternates between a descending
Harper riff and a six-note bass vamp. This is a perfect introduction to the artist's music. ~ Greg Turner