The Harvie S. album “Underneath It All” (1982) is a special recording for a few key reasons, especially within the context of his career. It marks a significant moment for him as a leader and showcases a different side of his musical vision compared to his later, more fusion-oriented work.
A Special Recording
- It was his first album as a leader. After years of being an in-demand sideman with legendary artists like Stan Getz and Chet Baker, “Underneath It All” was Harvie S.’s debut as a bandleader. This gave him the opportunity to put his own musical ideas and compositions at the forefront, setting the stage for a long and prolific career as a leader.
- A Different Sound from his ’80s Fusion: Many people know Harvie S. from his mid-1980s albums like “Urban Earth” and “Smart Moves,” which were heavily influenced by the high-energy, electric jazz fusion of the time, featuring guitarists like Mike Stern. “Underneath It All,” however, has a more acoustic, introspective, and lyrical quality. It’s often described as a post-bop album with a highly spiritual and delicate feel, sometimes even reminiscent of the ECM Records sound.
- The Unique Ensemble and Chemistry: The album features a sextet of lesser-known musicians at the time, which contributes to its unique sound. The focus is on the sophisticated interplay between Harvie S.’s bass and the other instruments, particularly the piano. The compositions are well-crafted and allow for a lot of open space and atmospheric textures, which are a hallmark of this record.
- Showcasing his Acoustic Bass Work: While Harvie S. is a master of both acoustic and electric bass, this album is a prime example of his incredible acoustic playing. His arco (bowed) playing is featured on the title track “Underneath It All,” where he demonstrates a command of the instrument that is both technically impressive and deeply musical.
- It’s a “Musician’s Album” that’s a Hidden Gem: “Underneath It All” may not have the crossover fame of his later albums with all-star lineups, but it is a highly respected record among musicians and jazz connoisseurs. Its sophisticated compositions and the high level of musicianship from the entire ensemble make it a standout in his discography and a testament to his versatility and vision as a bandleader.