Stan Harrison | Some Poor Soul Has a Fire Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Stan Harrison is a saxophonist and composer weaving together decades of experience with an insatiable curiosity for genre-defying sounds. Best known for lending his signature horn lines to David Bowie, Radiohead, and Bruce Springsteen, Harrison has always thrived at the intersection of jazz, rock, classical and avant-garde experimentation. Some Poor Soul Has a Fire is no exception as it’s a kaleidoscopic statement that refuses easy categorization, inviting listeners into a world where tradition collides with the unexpected.

Harrison isn’t interested in neatly labeled genres of jazz; instead, he revels in juxtaposition. This album shifts from contemporary jazz to raw, electric energy, embracing contrast as a defining feature rather than a limitation. His ability to shape-shift between styles makes Some Poor Soul Has a Fire an immersive listening experience.

From the melodic intervallic elegance of “(Smaller Than) The Big Picture” to the rock infused freewheeling finale of “Joy,” the album thrives on tension and release. This push-and-pull dynamic mirrors Harrison’s own career trajectory as he freely moves between the structured details of genres. The nine song project flows with these contrasts to create a compelling narrative.

The chemistry between pianist/synth player Elias Stemeseder, bassist Kim Cass, and drummer Steven Crammer is the album’s foundation, providing a grounded rhythmic interplay. Harrison expands this palette further by bringing in Michael Gregory Jackson’s guitar work on “The Details” and “They Must Be Praying,” as well as a string quartet to “It’s Time to Put the Dog to Bed.”

Harrison’s multi-instrumental voice throughout the album adds sonic variety. His musical voice shifting from bass clarinet to tenor saxophone on “Joy.” His inventive use of layering unexpected textures into his arrangements makes this track an adventure. He approaches each section with a sense of adventure. His choices never feel arbitrary; instead, they enhance the storytelling, reinforcing the song’s wide-ranging emotional and tonal landscapes.

Some Poor Soul Has a Fire is a genre exploring work with the pulse of modern rock, classical, and the spontaneity of improvisation. The album invites us to expand our conceptions of jazz, ask the listener to just enjoy the journey. “Introduction to a Continuation/To Be Continued” lays out this experience with its many textures of classical, avant-garde, rock, and jazz. All leading to a cathartic saxophone solo by Harrison for a powerful cadence.

The title track has a foundation of looping harmonies and rhythms, yet insistent, the rhythmic motifs are developed through various feels, pulses, and textures. Here, the music feels meticulously composed and daringly free, setting the sonic journey where subtle shades of tension and release meet bursts of exuberant spontaneity.

As you venture deeper, “The Details” and “They Must Be Praying” reveal the album’s penchant for seamless genre-blending. In these compositions, saxophone lines interlace with the vibrant interplay of piano, bass, and drums. The guitar creates a dynamic dialogue that pulses with energy and purpose in a very colorful manner. There is an unmistakable air of innovation, a fearless exploration of textures and tones that calls to your attention the beauty in the contrasts.

“It’s Time to Put the Dog to Bed” has a creative entrance to the theme. The layering of instruments and string quartet textures. The vocal from Harrison transforms the song into a storytelling compositional statement that is at once raw, poignant, and exhilarating. The interplay of strings against a backdrop of resolute brass and drum intensity paints an emotionally charged portrait. The writing in the string interlude is impressive, as is Harrison’s expressive saxophone solo.

“What’s Left Unsaid” circles back to exploring different feels based on the quarter note pulse. Here, the creative transition from feel to feel creates a rich and commanding presence. The tenor saxophone and piano share a special chemistry, creating a joyous celebration in the album’s journey. Each section of the composition resonates with a sense of an aural experience, leaving the listener with an indelible sense of exploration.

Throughout Some Poor Soul Has a Fire, Harrison’s compositions reveal a visionary spirit that embraces the expansive language of sound. The album is a narrative where every phrase, every shift in tone, and every improvisational spark is a moment on a grand, evolving journey.

For those ready to embark on an auditory journey that fuses innovation with musical depth, Some Poor Soul Has a Fire is a find.

Artist: Stan Harrison
Album: Some Poor Soul Has a Fire
Label: Adhyâropa Records

Release Date: October 25, 2024

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.