Eddie Harris - Smokin

Innovative tenor saxophonist/composer Eddie Harris brought the electric sax to prominence and many know him for ‘Freedom Jazz Dance,’ which Miles Davis recorded in 1966. 1970’s Smokin was probably culled from earlier Vee Jay sessions, but whatever the case the LP is a beautiful blend of soul jazz, hard bop and outré influences that contrasts later work for Atlantic. High points include an alternate of the moody ‘Olifant Gesang,’ the relaxed ‘Indonesia,’ the vibraphone-heavy ‘Sounds At The Archway’ and ‘Step Da Co Eel Waltz,’ and the appealing groove of ‘Ed’s Blues.’ A must for all Eddie Harris fans and lovers of soul jazz hybrids.