The Harper Brothers Remembrance - Live at the Village Vanguard torrent

Album Details
Title: Remembrance: Live at the Village Vanguard
Artist: The Harper Brothers
Label: Verve
Released: September 8, 1989
Genre: Jazz
Length: 71:07




1. Introduction
2. Hodge Podge
3. In a Way She Goes
4. Rememberance
5. Somewhere in the Night
6. CB
7. Keynote Doctrine
8. Kiss Me Right
9. Always Know
10. Don't Go to Strangers
11. Umi
12. Yang




For their second major release, the Harper Brothers -- led by Philip (trumpet) and Winard (drums) -- serve up the estimable live album Remembrance from the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City. The album is dedicated to the brothers' recently departed father and their grandfather, and the title cut is one of its very best tracks. Written by older brother Danny Harper, it's a midtempo swinger presented with reverential passion and signed with committed solos, especially those of Justin Robinson (tenor) and Philip Harper. Other highlights include the lively horn interplay and notable contributions of Winard Harper on "CB," Stephen Scott's piano work on the cover of Horace Silver's "Kiss Me Right" and the band's collective chops, including bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, on the lightning-fast set closer "Yang." Overall, the playing is clean, sharp and makes for a very enjoyable listen. This is definitive late '80s hard bop: excellent playing, marked by swinging, soulful melodies that don't break new musical ground or require great effort on the listener's part. This is a perfect album to load up in the car CD player and pass 70 minutes on the open road. Recommended for fans of this style as well as those just beginning to appreciate modern jazz. ~ Brian Bartolini, All Music Guide





The Harper Brothers

One of the most hyped jazz groups of the late '80s, the Harper Brothers (co-led by drummer Winard Harper and trumpeter Philip Harper) symbolized what was right and wrong about the "Young Lions" movement. The musicianship in this hard bop unit was excellent and the young players respected their elders, but strong originality was lacking (they were largely revisiting the past) and the Harper Brothers received an excess of publicity at the expense of more innovative players. Still, during its five years, the group produced four enjoyable bop albums for Verve, and its sidemen (altoist Justin Robinson, tenors Javon Jackson and Walter Blanding, pianists Stephen Scott and Kevin Hays, and bassists Michael Bowie and Nedra Wheeler, among them) all had strong starts to their career. Both Winard and Philip Harper have grown musically since the band's breakup. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide