CD Review: "Urban Myths" by Joel Harrison

Urban Myths

By Dr. Matthew Warnock, Modern Guitarist

Urban Myths is an exciting and innovative modern jazz record by New York based guitarist Joel Harrison. Accompanied by some of the idiom’s leading musicians, including Christian Howes, violin; Daniel Kelly, keyboards; Stephan Crumb, bass; Jordan Person, drums; and the ever brilliant David Binney on alto sax, Harrison delivers an album that blurs the boundaries separating jazz, rock and funk in an experimental and highly enjoyable fashion. While fusing musical genres has long been a popular custom in the jazz world, Harrison presents a unique approach to the realm of jazz fusion. His highly developed rhythmic sense, alongside his ability to write convincing melody lines, allows Harrison to present an album that pushes boundaries without isolating the audience. (more…)

Bass CD Reviews – Urban Myths

Urban Myths

By Damian Erskine, Bass CD

So I did a tour with guitarist Joel Harrison about 6 or 7 years ago (as a sub for Kai Eckhardt).  The sheet music got lost in the mail & I was at that point in my development in which I was good but didn’t have a lot of things together that I should have (inexperienced really).  Listening to the music, I figured, “well.. I’ll be ok, sounds really interesting but like it won’t be too hard to sight-read, play, etc…”.  MAN!!  I got my a## handed to me on that tour!  The caliber at which Joel and the company he keeps operates is consistently high and his music is demanding, intense and beautiful all at once.  That was a very important turning point for me and my playing..  I learned a lot on that tour about the work I still had to do.  That said, I was very excited to hear of his new CD and just had to share it with you guys… (more…)