SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STAN HARRISON – SOME POOR SOUL HAS A FIRE

STAN HARRISON
SOME POOR SOUL HAS A FIRE
ADHYÂROPA RECORDS

Stan Harrison is a well-respected and well-known musician, who has played with a number of artists throughout his career. His CV is a virtual who’s who of the music world. He has played with David Bowie, Serge Gainsbourg, Radiohead, The Borneo Horns, Talking Heads, Bruce Springsteen, and Mick Jagger to name just a few. Some Poor Soul Has A Fire is his latest solo release, and on this album, Harrison returns to his jazz roots. The fact that he has spent many years playing with a wide variety of musicians and genres has helped shape Some Poor Soul Has A Fire into the album that explores music within the framework of a jazz album. Harrison takes the listener through many emotions, sounds, and musical structures during the album.

Harrison is a very talented musician and writer. This album is a perfect opportunity for Harrison to step into the spotlight and perform. The songs are complicated but melodic with very interesting rhythmic patterns that draw the listener in and hold their attention. This is not background music, or dinner music. This is an album that is best enjoyed in one sitting and, to these ears, works really well with headphones. The music Harrison creates invites the listener to shut out the world and focus on the music.

Each song has its own distinct sound and style. Yet, all the songs fit together like an abstract jigsaw puzzle to create a whole vision. Some Poor Soul Has A Fire opens with the more laid back “(Smaller Than) The Big Picture”, which eases the listener into the programme. Elsewhere, however, one has songs like “They Must Be Praying” which starts with an almost ambient feel and gradually evolves into a wonderful and very dramatic arrangement. That is the beauty  of Some Poor Soul Has A Fire, one is never sure where Harrison is going to take their ears. The same can be said for many of the songs, with twists and turns that makes for a brilliant listening experience.

While “It’s Time To Put The Dog To Bed” features an interesting interplay between Harrison’s vocals (he really should sing more, his voice is quite distinct and fits the music perfectly) and has a stirring string arrangement. When Harrison’s sax bursts into the song it is almost jarring but fits the mix brilliantly. The song is powerful and creates an uneasy mood. It is a very visual song.

Some Poor Soul Has A Fire is a very strong album. One does not need to be a jazz expert or aficionado to appreciate and enjoy this album. It is a multi-layered album, and the listener is rewarded with new experiences with each spin on the turntable. Harrison uses his sax beautifully throughout the album. When he needs to be, he is remarkably restrained but can also unleash a breathtaking solo that will have the listener reeling. Some Poor Soul Has A Fire is a fantastic album.

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