Artist: Joe Harriott
Title: Genius
Cat Number: JAZA6
Label, Year Released: Jazz Academy Records, 2000
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5029763012223
The Jamaican-born saxophonist Joe Harriott was one of the great innovators on the British jazz scene in the 1950s and 60s. His freeform compositions were immensely tuneful, a marvellous amalgam of West Indian atmosphere, impressionism and jazz. In other words, totally unique. ‘Genius’ is a collection of tracks exploring Harriott’s mainstream roots as well as the more progressive element.
Accompanying him are such notable musicians as drummer Phil Seaman, saxophonist Tony Coe, pianist Michael Garrick, trumpeter Ian Carr and bassist Coleridge Goode. ‘Genius’ was originally released in 2000 but due to the great interest in Joe Harriott and the difficulty of obtaining his recordings, it was re-released in 2003. His importance was celebrated with a tribute concert at the 2003 London Jazz Festival and with the publication of a biography in November of that year.
“Impetuous, melodic elegance…Garrick should be thanked for making these magic moments public.” – Ben Watson, The Wire
Joe Harriott: alto saxophone
Les Condon, Ian Carr, Shake Keane: trumpet
Tony Coe, Don Rendell: tenor saxophone
Pat Smythe, Michael Garrick: piano
Coleridge Goode, Dave Green, Johnny Taylor: bass
Phil Seaman, Trevor Tomkins, Alan Green: drums