Harris in the Moment: Free Speech's Lean Groove
Harris plays quite well as usual, but none of his six originals here are particularly substantial.
Free Speech opens with Eddie Harris on trumpet and saxophone over Jodie Christian's electric piano, Billy Hart's drums, and Louie Spears' bass, immediately establishing a groove that sits somewhere between soul-jazz and hard bop. The band swings with real pocket and ease—Christian's organ work gives the record a warmth that keeps things grounded even when Harris pushes into the upper register on sax. Felix Henry's percussion colors the edges without overwhelming the core four.
This is Harris doing what he does best: soloing clearly and with conviction over changes he understands completely. He switches between saxophone and trumpet with natural ease, never straining for effect. The rhythm section locks in tight, especially Hart's crisp drumming, which keeps the tempos brisk and the energy constant. It's solid session work from everyone involved.
That said, the material itself doesn't grab you the way some of Harris's other recordings do. The six originals are competent but unremarkable—none of them stick in your head or suggest anything beyond the moment they're playing. The album functions best as a showcase for the band's ability to execute rather than as a statement. It's worth hearing if you're already exploring Harris's catalog, but it's not the place to start. Try Exodus (1968) instead for a fuller picture of what he could do with a concept.
Who's playing
Louie Spearsbass
Jodie Christianelectric piano
Eddie Harrissaxophone, trumpet
Billy Hartdrums
Felix Henrypercussion
Where next?
More by Eddie Harris
All 36 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
