Joel Harrison 5: Spirit House | Album Review

Guitarist and composer Joel Harrison refuses to be confined by genre or style – previous outings have deconstructed rock, country, pyschedelia, Indian music and even the songs of his Beatles namesake. To each, Harrison has brought a curiosity and generosity that makes him one of the most interesting voices in contemporary American music. With this latest quintet, most attention will deservedly focus on drummer Brian Blade, whose immaculate rhythmic support always inspires the players around him, but particularly when they have the means to respond in kind: trumpeter Cuong Vu, bassist Kermit Driscoll and the revelatory Paul Hanson on bassoon are each given an opportunity to stretch the music in their own direction. The result is a brilliant, joyous, uncategorisable recording that will further enhance Harrison's reputation. joelharrison.com