Robert Harris - City Lights

 

Robert Harris is performing since several years on festivals and events in and outside Florida. The Robert Harris group opened for Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot and more. This band consists of Jim Day, Steve Takahashi, Bruce Nardi, Robert Harris, Jimmy Seay.

Robert Harris' first album Cool Breeze was released in 2004. The follow-up City Lights (2008) is now available at CDBaby. Like on his previous album Robert wrote, produced and arranged all tracks on his new album except three covers. Robert was supported by long-time friend Steve Takahashi (drum programming), Jimmy Seay (bass), Bruce Nardi (sax and flute) and guest musician Michael Kahn (sax).

The starting track Monaco is named after a small sovereign city-state located in the heart of Europe. Driving the Grande Corniche to the city a wonderful view opens to the Principality and the Mediterranean Sea. The uplifting mood of this moment is captured by the Robert Harris' awesome acoustic guitar.

City Lights is featuring Michael Kahn on soprano sax. Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Michael performs in various bands playing jazz, smooth jazz, Latin jazz and r&b. This tune sets you into a positive atmosphere.

James Taylor composed Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight for his album One Man Dog (1972). The song became a hit, although not Taylor's greatest. Robert Harris reveals on his rendition a strong and impressing voice. Bruce Nardi's sax solo is superb.

Robert Harris is a great fan of Peter White. Proudly he presents on his website a photo, on which he performs with Peter. Steppin Out is a song in the spirit of Peter White's music. Peter's next album will be released early next year. So why not listen meanwhile to this song? Robert deserves it.

Thom Bell is one of the architects of the famous Philly Sound. You Make Me Feel Brand New is certainly one of his greatest hits. Originally written for the Stylistics and released on their album Rockin' Roll Baby (1973), it was covered by numerous musicians like Hubert Laws, Everett Harp, Norman Brown and more. Robert's rendition is very close to the original.

Don't await jazz on Straight Ahead. The melody line is sultry and extensive on the longest tune of this album. I Just Wanna Stop was a huge hit for Gino Vannelli, released on his album Brother to Brother (1978). While the original is more a grandiose Pop song, settles Robert's rendition in the smooth jazz genre with a folk appeal.

Sunny Side Up is a national anthem of Florida, this state blessed with many sunny days in the year. No wonder that this wonderful country has such a strong influence on Robert's guitar music. Beside his guitar skills Robert is also a gifted keyboardist, proved with tunes like Morning Light spell bounding with magic chords.

The final tune is dedicated to Robert's German shepherd Katie. "Katie has literarily laid by my side in the studio for countless days, weeks, months, and years. She sang the last note on the CD," comments sentimental Robert.

Robert's album City Lights is full of positive emotions, seductive and joyful. With undeniable perfection Robert's music let you smile and dream.
 

 

 


Title: City Lights
Artist: Robert Harris
Year: 2008
Length: 0:44:33
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Robert Harris Music


Tracks:
 
01 Monaco [3:53]
02 City Lights [4:50]
03 Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight [3:48]
04 Steppin Out [3:49]
05 You Make Me Feel Brand New [4:36]
06 Straight Ahead [6:13]
07 I Just Wanna Stop [4:06]
08 Sunny Side Up [4:54]
09 Morning Light [3:54]
10 Katie's Song [4:30]