It's the Real Soul

by Scott Yanow Gene Harris was a very consistent pianist, always infusing the standards and ballads that he interpreted with soul and the blues feeling. On this live set (recorded in Pittsburgh), Harris and his regular quartet of the period (with guitarist Ron Eschete, bassist Luther Hughes, and drummer Paul Humphrey) perform typically soulful versions of "Summertime," "You Don't Know Me," "Lady Be Good" (taken at a relaxed tempo), and "That's All." Veteran tenor saxophonist and flutist Frank Wess is featured on four other numbers: two of his originals plus "Straight No Chaser" and "My Funny Valentine." The music overall is predictably excellent, for all of Harris' Concord recordings are easily recommended.