Winard Harper - Come into the Light

It is easy to think of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers when one hears drummer Winard Harper's quintet. Like Blakey, Harper mostly performs songs from within the band along with occasional standards. The music is very much in the hard bop genre with fiery ensembles and concise solos, all driven by Harper's drums. One senses that the sidemen are inspired by the momentum and drive of the music, being pushed to play at their best at all times. Trumpeter Patrick Rickman has a brittle tone and, although not a virtuoso, puts heartfelt feeling into his playing. Read More