Harry Connick Comes Back to Jazz

Lois Gilbert · May-19th-2003, 09:48 AM

After numerous flirtations with pop standards and big band vocals, Harry Connick Jr. is returning to small ensemble traditional jazz for his next release. Due July 15, the all-instrumental "Other Hours - Connick on Piano, Volume 1," will be his bow for Marsalis Music, the label formed by saxophonist Branford Marsalis in early 2002.

All of Connick's previous releases were for Columbia, where Marsalis enjoyed a stint as an executive in the jazz department. Connick studied with Marsalis' father Ellis early in his career.

Joining the pianist on "Other Hours" are tenor saxophonist Ned Goold, bassist Neal Caine, and drummer Arthur Latin II, all members of Connick's touring orchestra. Much of the material is culled from Connick's Tony-nominated score for the Broadway musical "Thou Shalt Not"; the remainder consists of compositions written for but not used in the final version of the play.

"When I tour with my big band, I enjoy everything that is involved, from writing the material and getting the audience feedback to being on the road with everyone," Connick said in a statement. "But while piano playing is a huge part of what I do, there is only so much that will fit into my shows. The quartet offers something different and more intimate, both musically and socially. It provides the chance to go places I can't go as a pianist in other formats, and allows a more intensive look at my approach to the instrument."

Connick's last project, "Songs I Heard," debuted November 2001 at No. 2 on Billboard's Top Jazz Albums chart. In addition to his recording career, Connick has been seen on the television series "Will and Grace" in a recurring role as the character Leo.

-- Steven Graybow, N.Y.

May-19th-2003, 10:58 AM

Comes back?

Was he ever really there?

Daddy Hemingway · May-19th-2003, 11:53 AM

Chris A is right on.......
Harry who? While I welcome a jazzsite such as Jazzcorner I don't welcome the obscurity seemingly relished by the site. Harry C. has had no effect on creative impulse of Jazz. The Jazz in Boston doesn't have the movers of events in Boston: Herb Pomeroy, yes, bless his Maynard Ferguson soul, but where are the others? Why not fly Roy Haynes from NYC to talk about Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughn, Roland Kirk & Eric Dolphy, all of whom he played with in their groups or his?

Lois Gilbert · May-19th-2003, 02:28 PM

The reason I even posted this is because I find it interesting that so many were raving about Branford's new label... and they sign Harry Connick! Even in saying that. I like Harry Connick and I like that he'll be recording jazz with a trio. Itll be interesting to see what the were results turn out to be.

PS Daddy Hemingway I think you're talking about 2 threads in your post - this one and the Boston jazz talks....

Valerie · May-19th-2003, 06:22 PM

My immediate reaction to the thread title was, "Whoopee Doodle - Not"!!!!

I hope I eat my words but I doubt it!

Harry is sort of part of the Marsalis family so I understand why Branford would record him from that perspective only!

Pete C · May-19th-2003, 10:39 PM

He's a competent piano player and a slightly better singer than John Pizzarelli, IMO.

hornplayer · May-20th-2003, 10:30 AM

I tend to agree with you, Pete.

I have a couple of his cds, and they're enjoyable enough, but I rarely think of playing them. Still, there seems to be a market for his kind of music, and he certainly is several cuts above that horrid soprano saxophonist so many folks today seem to think exemplifies "Jazz."