Swingin Up In Harlem (CD)

In the grand tradition of jazz piano trio records, Lafayette Harris returns to the Van Gelder studios for his latest effort covering a wide spectrum of tunes by composers ranging from Hoagy Carmichael to Stevie Wonder. Harris sympathies have always been all inclusive, as one would imagine from his stints with Max Roach, Donald Byrd, Ernestine Anderson and others. His style of playing keeps one foot rooted in the rich history of jazz piano and the other is knee deep in contemporary and modern jazz resulting in an album of personal, memorable renditions with subtle colors and elegant nuances. You need a first-rate rhythm section for a trio recording and bassist Kenny Washington and drummer Lewis Nash bring the insight that only their decades of experience can give. The album also boasts the participation of saxophonist Houston Person, this time in the producer’s chair. If tasteful, effortless piano playing is to your liking, then you will certainly find great pleasure in the joy, humor and exuberance of Lafayette Harris Jr.