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Evolving
Self-produced
"Evolving" is the latest release from New Orleans-based vocalist Roderick Harper. It was recorded live with a cast of friends and mentor, including appearances from late piano legend Ellis Marsalis, sax icon Donald Harrison, and vocalist/drummer Jamison Ross. Others among the accompanists include pianists Oscar Rossignoli, Jesse Davis, Shea Pierre, and John Jones; bassists Robin Sherman and Roland Guerin; drummers Chris Guccione, Gerald Watkins, and Geoff Clapp; and soprano saxophonist Roderick Paulin. Among the twelve tracks are originals mixed in with some choice covers sung with a smooth, romantic warmth and soulfulness that are tastefully supported. At times Harper suggests to this listener a softer version of Donny Hathaway and other places a jazzier Johnny Mathis.
There is plenty of romanticism on the opening "Infinite Heart," which was co-written with Donald Harrison. Harrison graces this track with an airy solo. The late Ellis Marsalis provides the understated piano accompaniment for the blue ballad "Never Let Me Go" that complements Harper's disciplined singing. It is followed by a marvelous rendition of Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free," with Rossignoli superlative accompaniment. His singing here displays his mastery of phrasing, diction, pitch, and dynamics. There are also compelling interpretations of "The Big City" and "Look What I Got," where Harper extracts every iota of meaning from the lyrics.
Other standout selections include his horn-like scatting for Ivan Lin's "Valsa Minera," the heartfelt rendering of Charles Mingus' "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love," and a buoyant treatment of Alvin Battiste's "Salty Dogs." There is a gentle, reflective quality in his singing of "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?" that is the final track. John Jones' Fender Rhodes provides an airy setting for the vocal, with Roland Guerin adding a terrific bass solo. It is as memorable and engaging performance as the other songs on this superb album of jazz singing.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Roderick Harper performing "Never Let Me Go."
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