Wendell Harrison Rush & Hustle CD

Wendell Harrison & Mama's Licking Stick Clarinet Ensemble: Wendell Harrison (clarinet, tenor saxophone, clave); Ken Hobenstreet, Greg Koltyck, Paul Onachuck (clarinet); Harold Orr (bass clarinet); James Carter (double-B-flat contra bass clarinet); Ernie Rogers (E-flat contra bass clarinet); Harold McKinney, Pamela Wise (piano); Marion Hayden (bass); Alex Brooks, Enix Buchanan (drums); Jerry Gonzales (timbales); Mahindi Masai (congas, percussion).

This original Wen-Ha recording, independently released by Harrison, is now on a major label -- Enja. At last the world at large can hear this richly textured ensemble which incorporates swinging syncopation or Latin rhythms as the foundation for five clarinetists (Ernie Rodgers, Harold Orr, Greg Koltyck, Paul Onachuck and Ken Hobenstreet) to weave their orchestral tapestry while soloists Harrison and the vaunted James Carter (on the monstrous contrabass clarinet) do their thing. Some pretty stunning music is being made here by any criteria. At its deepest and most thoughtful recesses, the ensemble on "Pamela's Holiday," with help from percussionist Mahindi Masai, doles out a modal undercurrent grafted onto a light Afro-Cuban rhythm, and produces some extraordinarily beautiful sounds. The title track swings with a fervor Bechet, Goodman, or DeFranco would stop and take notice of. "Gonna Take You Out" is a jumpy kind of funk, while a nice Latin flavor spices the lone standard "My Shining Hour," arranged by Cassius Richmond. The most modern piece, "The Hooptie," shifts from brooding to optimistic with an ostinato bass and soaring melody, a bit dank but always head nodding, even in the tricky 5/4 time signature. A most spiritual "Urban Lullaby" also sports a light tropical scent, and the closer, a tenor sax driven "Saga of a Carrot" is a hard samba stew that has a heavy, meat and potatoes melody and some avant free segments. Sounds this strong and full cannot be denied their place as a unique entity among modern jazz ensembles. Harrison's imaginative music and arrangements, with help from such fellow Detroiters as pianist Pamela Wise and bassist Marion Hayden, in particular, and the incendiary Carter for added heat, establishes a tradition of its own. Others will simply have to follow to see if they can go one up. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Detroit-based jazz musician Wendell Harrison is a recording artist, performer, teacher, author and entrepreneur. His fame as a clarinetist and saxophonist has spread throughout the United States, Africa, The Caribbean, Middle East, and Europe. His instruction book, the Be Boppers Method Book I with accompanying CD and the Be Boppers Method Book II with CD, is an essential aid for young musicians. Currently, Wendell has been touring the USA performing concerts and conducting workshops. In early years of development, Wendell attended Northwestern High School in Detroit. While attending Northwestern (noted for developing some of the finest jazz musicians in the world), Wendell met trumpeter Lonnie Hillyard, alto saxophonist Charles McPhearson, and percussionist Roy Brooks. These were the musicians that really got Wendell into playing jazz. Hillyard, McPhearson and other class mates were all studying with legendary great pianist Barry Harris and it was not long before Wendell became under his tutelage. Wendell also attended the Detroit Conservatory of Music (now known as the Center for Creative Studies). Wendell moved to New York when he was 18 years old to make his way in the music world and he did. While in New York, he worked with many famed artists such as Lou Rawls, Joe Henderson/Kenny Dorham's big band, Grant Green, Sun Ra, , Hank Crawford and Betty Carter (to name a few). Wendell also found himself sharing the stage with the likes of the late Eddie Jefferson, Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald. Wendell now leads his own ensemble which periodically features many known jazz stars such as Steve Turre, Vanessa Rubin, Dennis Rowland, Don Byron, Howard Johnson,Down Beat (5/95, p.51) - 4.5 Stars - Very Good Plus - "...full of revelations and delights....Harrison commands an arsenal of amazingly diverse colors and timbres and textures. His charts are elaborately crafted, yet grow organically....keeps you on the edge of your chair....RUSH & HUSTLE is something new under the sun..."