Some Poor Soul Has A Fire
Adhyâropa, 2024
8/10
Listen to Some Poor Soul Has A Fire
The saxophone player/composer Stan Harrison has traveled the globe with some of the biggest names in the entertainment world, and here we’re treated to his jazz vision that welcomes a handful of players for the 9 progressive songs.
“(Smaller Than) The Big Picture” starts the listen with Elias Stemeseder’s firm keys and Harrison’s dynamic tenor sax making for a rich climate, and “The Details” follows with Michael Gregory Jackson’s swirling guitar and Steven Crammer’s animated drums creating a dense and unpredictable delivery.
Further along, “They Must Be Praying” is a calmer moment of soulful sax and secondary guitar from Harrison that comes with intimacy, while “All That Remains” emits power and melody via the dreamy keys, colorful sax and Kim Cass’ fluid bass.
Strings arrive close to the end, where “It’s Time To Put The Dog To Bed” quivers with intrigue and welcomes Sara Caswell and Erin Benim Mayland on violin, Carla Fabiani on viola, Jessie Readen handles cello, and Harrison sings on the only vocal piece, and “Joy” exits with a textured and modern approach to jazz.
A diverse body of work, both composition and improvisation are present, as Harrison and company use chamber jazz, progressive jazz and both contemporary and rock approaches with much timelessness and adventure.
Travels well with: Andy Ezrin- I Was There; Ian Wardenski Quintet- Unfoldings