Gene Harris
Live In London
Resonance Records

John Beasley
Letter To Herbie
Resonance Records
By George W. Harris

The latest two releases from Resonance Records are a pair of fitting tributes to two important pianists. The first features the unrelentingly swinging piano of Gene Harris leading his quartet in a 1996 concert in London, England. This never before released disc is bubbling over with enthusiasm and a joi de vivre that is palpable. Harris is in prime form as he double fists his way through a jaunty “In A Mellow Tone”, and a bouncy, buoyant and cheerful “No Greater Love”. His version of “Misty” is filled with ebullient and rococo decorations that would make Errol Garner green with envy. The supporting band of Jim Mullen (g), Andrew Clyendert (b) and Martin Drew (b) is snappy, sharp and sizzling. You’ll have a smile on your face the whole disc through.

Pianist/keyboardist John Beasley teams up with all stars Christian McBride (b), Jeff “Tain” Watts (d) and Roy Hargrove (tr) among others to put together an all encompassing tribute to the ever fertile musical mind of Herbie Hancock. Mixing up the program with trio and small band work reminiscent of Herbie’s 60 Blue Note period and an electronic funk band of a later generation, Beasley crosses genres and styles with ease and elegance. “The Naked Camera” and “Vein Melter” feature some spacey playing with Steve Tavaglione’s bass clarinet getting a good workout. The trio takes of “4 AM” and “Three Finger Snap” are concise and crisp, and the mixture of Hargroves horn with Tavaglione’s flute on “Maiden Voyage” is a highlight of the fitting tribute of a disc.