Of Certain Elements, the third album from acclaimed jazz
vocalist Karla Harris, it can be said that this is a place where lush
contemporary comes alongside deft acoustic mainstream jazz to create the potent
signature sound of this collection. Intriguingly mystical and invitingly
earthy, with an aural quality all its own, the record’s tunes of varying feels
– Latin, contemporary, swing, blues-inspired – showcase the velvety, dynamic
range of Harris’ considerable talent to compelling effect.
Certain Elements follows up on Harris’ second release, Karla
Harris Sings the Dave and Iola Brubeck Songbook, released in 2015 on Summit
Records and featuring jazz all-stars Tom Kennedy on bass, drummer Dave Weckl,
saxophonist Bob Sheppard and pianist/arranger Ted Howe. Harris’ vocal versions
of Brubeck classics proved to be an expertly executed and well-received homage
showcasing the singer’s technical chops and interpretive ability. Of the
record, jazz reviewer Thomas Cunniffe wrote, “She makes these seldom-heard
lyrics come alive,” and Jazziz said, “The Brubecks would be pleased.”
Harris’ new recording demonstrates evolving artistry. She
leans creatively into a fuller spectrum of her gifts on Certain Elements,
teaming with acclaimed producer Trammell Starks to create tracks where her
authenticity and emotive power come shining through. The record’s 12 tracks
feature several originals penned by the vocalist, her first outing as a
songwriter, and beautifully curated cover tunes, including the album’s first
single, a contemporary jazz remake of the 1960s hit “Cherish.” Harris’
“Cherish” gets lush, romantic treatment, thoughtful rhythmic variation, and
nuanced delivery of those longing lyrics. Released to contemporary jazz radio
mid-September, it’s generating buzz quickly. The tune’s composer, Terry
Kirkman, comments that it is a “beautiful surprise” for him, and that Harris’
“rich, warm, depth throughout her range is incredible … truly inspirational.”
“Cherish” was one of the last tracks produced for the
collection, which unrolled organically over a period of years. “This project
actually started in 2013 – I just didn’t know it at the time,” Harris says. It
was then that she recorded in Portland, Oregon, her former home, a cover of the
Peter Dello tune and Joe Cocker hit, “Do I Still Figure in Your Life,” at the
suggestion of Latin percussionist and bandleader Bobby Torres, who toured with
Cocker for years. Torres arranged the song for Harris’ voice, creating a
stripped-down ballad version of the tune that packs an emotional punch. The track
stayed tucked away following a move that took Harris to Atlanta.
Not too long after that move, she experienced a period of
time she describes as “creatively intense, where the muses were kind.” Riding
the wave, Harris wrote several songs, six of which are included on Certain
Elements. From the poetic, transcendent title track to the whimsical wordplay
of the swinging “When Michael;” from the grown-up sensuality of “Folds” to the
story-based blues of “Interlude” and more, Harris’ songwriting shows a love for
words and wrapping them into a lyric and a melody.
“From the moment they formed, I became committed to these
songs, performed them on occasion at live shows to great response, and wanted
to record them, simply to complete a creative process,” Harris says. However,
after bringing her material to Starks, the vision grew along with the
producer’s enthusiasm over what he was hearing from the singer/songwriter. He
encouraged Harris to further build out the project, and set to arranging some
of her originals.
Meanwhile, Harris pulled in covers of songs arranged for her
over the years by close colleagues, including that 2013 track and another done
by Torres, a sultry Latin version of the Legrand/Bergman tune, “The Way He
Makes Me Feel.” Harris also includes a jazz-influenced take on the Bill Withers
classic “Lean on Me,” arranged by pianist Mark Simon, a close friend of Harris’
who passed away before he could finish tracking the tune. His brother, Chicago
pianist Fred Simon, completed it for the recording.
The record honors other friendships made across Harris’ musical
journey and features many more bright lights, from Portland, Seattle and
Atlanta, including pianists Randy Porter, George Colligan, Kevin Bales, Dan
Gaynor, Tyrone Jackson; bassists Sam Sims, Damian Erskine, Jeff Johnson, Neal
Starkey; saxophonists Sam Skelton, Mace Hibbard; trumpeter Darren English;
drummers Todd Strait, Marlon Patton, Lil’ John Roberts, Reinhardt Melz;
percussionists Rafael Pereira, Bobby Torres, Carmelo Torres; guitarists Dan
Baraszu, Chris Blackwell; and Trammell Starks on keyboards and programming.
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