Straight Lines by Ken Vandermark's Joe Harriott Project

25 May

Written by Mark Keresman
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Chicago-based multi-reed whiz Ken Vandermark pays tribute to the late Mr. Harriott's music with Straightlines, along with some of his mates from the extremely cool Vandermark 5 (trombonist Jeb Bishop, bassist Kent Kessler, drummer Tim Mulvenna). Unlike most "tribute" thangs, there are no slavish recreations of the Influential Artist's works - here, KV shines a spotlight on Harriott's thoughtful, forward-looking yet swinging compositions, doin' 'em his way.. At times, the group dynamics are similar to the Jimmy Giuffre trios of the early 60s: dark, cerebral, swing is implicit as explicit, free of messy sentimentality. KV channels the spirit(s) of Chicago's AACM dynasty through a crazy-quilt sense of eclecticism charged with awareness of music outside of jazz. [Gasp!]