Gene Harris Quartet - Live In London (2017) [Hi-Res]

Gene Harris is one of the most talented and dynamic jazz players in the world. Throughout his life, through all the triumphs and tragedies, Gene always was able to "make a piano stand up and talk."

Based on previously unreleased tapes provided by his widow Janie Harris, Live in London is also the only available recording of Harris in action with his British quartet. This group performed together exclusively in the U.K., where hometown audience support and remarkable musicianship elevated their performances to match standards set by Harris's previous work. Most of these tunes have never been recorded by Harris before and none have been previously recorded in quartet ensemble.

“The smiles and love were as permanent as the music was brilliant… This recording is Gene Harris at his absolute best” (Janie Harris)

„Gene Harris recorded extensively from the time he came out of retirement to his untimely death in early 2000. This previously unissued concert, from 1996 at London's Pizza Express, features the pianist with a group of British musicians (guitarist Jim Mullen, bassist Andrew Clyendert, and drummer Martin Drew, the latter worked extensively with Oscar Peterson) who were chosen prior to his arrival in England. Though the musicians had not played together as a regular group, they gelled rather well as a unit. This hour-plus set starts with an invigorating, extended workout of "(There Is) No Greater Love." His jaunty, rollicking setting of Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk" is bluesy and swinging. Harris changes gears to offer a subtle, lyrical, solo interpretation of "My Funny Valentine"; from there he segues into Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone" and slowly builds it from a whisper to the boiling point. A shimmering "Misty" and a lively impromptu blues close this excellent set.“ (Ken Dryden, AMG)

"His bluesiness and huge sense of swing defy you to sit still." (JazzTimes)

Gene Harris, piano
Jim Mullen, guitar
Andrew Cleyndert, double bass
Martin Drew, drums

Recorded live in concert May 1996 at the Pizza Express, London, England

Digitally remastered

2xHD is a record label which uses its proprietary system to process music masters originally recorded in analog or DSD or other format, to DSD in order to produce a unique listening experience.

The process uses a selection from a pool of high-end audiophile components and connectors. In some cases even using battery power, so as to benefit from the cleanest power source possible. This variable equipment combination custom tailored to each project, creates the most accurate reproduction of the original recording, unveiling information previously masked by the use of EQ, transformers, patch bays, extended cable length etc. The selection of components is critical, as many A/D and D/A converters are unable to pierce through these filters that create a eiling effect to the sound. The 2xHD system preserves the dynamics of the original master and proves an open feeling to the sound.

2xHD was created by producer/studio owner André Perry and audiophile sound engineer René Laflamme, wo dedicated music-lovers determined to experience only the warmth and depth of the music without hearing the equipment.

2xHD Mastering by: René Laflamme
2xHD Executive Producer: André Perry