Billy Harper
Soran-Bushi, B.H.
Denon (Japan) 1978
YX-7522-ND (LP) w/obi, insert, original inner sleeve.
sleeve : NM-(very slightly wear on corner)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise)
Released in 1978, this album is by American saxophonist Billy Harper, who performed with the Gil Evans Jazz Orchestra and in groups led by such major musicians as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, and Lee Morgan. He also contributed outstanding performances to celebrated rare-groove albums by artists including Leon Thomas and Bobbi Humphrey. Produced by Yoshio Ozawa and recorded in New York, this was a Japanese production featuring Everett Hollins on trumpet, Harold Mabern on piano, Greg Maker on bass, and Horace Arnold and Billy Hart on drums. The saxophone solo on A2 is superb, but the album’s true centerpiece is undoubtedly the title track, which occupies the entire B-side. Recognizing a connection between the soulful beauty of the music he absorbed in the Black church as a child and Japanese traditional music, Harper personally selected and arranged the folk song “Soran Bushi.” The result is the very essence of a spiritual jazz groove, with the soul-stirring resonance of Harper’s saxophone blending magnificently with the Japanese melody. Very, very highly recommended. With obi and insert.
A1: Trying to Get Ready
A2: Loverhead
B1: Soran-Bushi, B.H.