HARVIE S.

BRIGHT DAWN

Origin Records

Harvie S., bass/composer; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Miki Hayama, piano/Fender Rhodes/ synthesizer; Matt Wilson, drums.

Bassist Harvie S. can proudly boast, this is his 21^st album release as a band leader. He is also one of the most respected and sought after bass voices in the jazz music arena.  For this project, the bass master has composed eight out of ten songs.

The quartet opens with “Ghosts of Havana,” a melodic, low-key, original composition by Harvie S.  On this tune, Miki Hayama explores her solo on the Fender Rhodes.  One thing that’s noticeable right away is how Harvie S. strings his bass notes along, like gathering pearls for a necklace created by melodic notes. Plus, there is always an element of bebop present in his compositions.

There is always an element of bebop present in Harvie S. compositions. His beautiful bass melody opens the second song, a cover of the familiar “Devil May Care” tune. At first, he improvises before plucking out the recognizable melody written by Bob Dorough.  The second time around, they swing the tune, letting Harvie S. lead the ensemble brilliantly on his bass.  Peter Bernstein adds an exciting solo on guitar.  The tempo swings, spurred on by the fiery drums of Matt Wilson.

A tune Harvie S. calls “Waltz for Vartan” comes next. Once again, it features the master bassist, out-front soloing with that exceptional tonality and creative spirit.  Peter Bernstein brings his warm, articulate guitar to the party during this jazz waltz.  Vartan used to own a jazz club in Denver, Colorado. This is a nod to that man, that club, that day and age.

Miki Hayama begins a tune called “Navalny.”  This time, after her sweet introduction, Harvie S. picks up his bow and sings a melody that demands attention. There is rarely something more beautiful than the sound of the bass being bowed. Hayama’s background piano cushions that beauty with a piano line that reproduces the sound of a ticking clock. Harvie S. is of Russian descent, and he wrote this song for the politician that challenged the current dictator of Russia, a man who was murdered while incarcerated, the fearless Alexei Navalny.

They ‘swing’ on “I’ve Got Rhythm and Blues.” The composer uses the chord changes from the familiar tune, “I’ve Got Rhythm” but on the bridge, Harvie S. adds a blues.  The tender, lovely composition titled “Yukimi’s Song” was written for his wife.

Harvie plays one more cover-tune called “Humpty Dumpty” that was composed by Chick Corea. Every arrangement and every song included in this project is beautifully played and spotlights Harvie S. as a masterful bassist and engaging composer. It brought joy to my listening room.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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