Greg Harris' group is cohesive enough that its members can create the rich matrix of "Frames." The composition's winding melody is played in unison by vibraphonist Harris and by Erinn Bone on muted trumpet, supported by James Calvin Thompson's pulsating bass lines and Bill Larson's energetic drum work for an engaging totality of effect.

Though Harris is the leader, his interests appear to lie in the unified group sound, for the vibraphone most often is used to provide chorded support or establish a change of mood, as he does when "Lightness" moves from a suspense-building free-rhythm introduction to a medium-tempo three-four theme. On the other hand, the members of his Vibe Quintet can individually contribute their own personalities to a piece when the occasion requires it. "Calm Our Spirits," for example, involves Harris' percolating introduction of dampened vibes bars, tentatively subdued and then gradually sustained. Then, after the three minute presentation of the theme, the musicians play freely. Harris goes dissonant, trumpeter Bone supplies jabbing accents and smears, and drummer Bill Larson breaks up the rhythm as the impressionistic compostion recalls Harris' reactions to the news of Hurricane Katrina.

Individually, each member of the group interprets the suggestions of "Lucid Dream." Harris' vibes develop the comforting melody with a glowing sheen, setting up the occasion for Bone's relaxed, engaging solo. Harris' instrumentation recalls some of Gary Burton's early work as he combined vibes with guitar, occasionally adding trumpet as Burton did with Tiger Okoshi.

Recognizing the crowd-pleading nature of the sound, the energetic nature of most of the original compositions remain extroverted, like the surging rhythm of "Flank Fuzz" or the anticipation of "Reach"'s beat before the extension of the long tones.

The crowd of Denver's Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge was pleased when Frames Live was recorded there, and with good reason. The music pulls in the listeners with its irresistible rhythms or heart-felt themes, and still its instrumentation remains distinctive and Harris' compositional talent remains challenging.

Bill Donaldson

www.cadencebuilding.com
©Cadence Magazine 2007