Underneath It All
The record is a significant piece of Harvie S’s discography and is highly respected by musicians and jazz connoisseurs for several key reasons:
1. It Was His Debut as a Leader
After years of establishing himself as an in-demand sideman for legendary jazz artists like Stan Getz, Chet Baker, and Gil Evans, Underneath It All marked Harvie S’s first album as a bandleader. This gave him the platform to present his own distinct musical vision and sophisticated compositions for the first time.
2. It Features a Unique, Introspective Sound
The album showcases a different, more acoustic, and introspective side of Harvie S’s playing compared to the electric jazz fusion work he would become known for later in the 1980s (on albums like Urban Earth).
- Lyrical and Delicate: The music is often described as having a lyrical, delicate, and deeply spiritual quality.
- ECM Influence: Many listeners and critics note that the album’s sophisticated worldview, atmospheric textures, and acoustic focus are reminiscent of the ECM Records sound (a European label known for its spacious, minimalist, and often meditative jazz recordings).
- Acoustic Mastery: It is a prime example of his incredible acoustic bass playing, particularly his mastery of arco (bowed) bass work, notably on the title track.
3. It Highlights a Unique Ensemble
The record features a sextet that was composed of lesser-known, yet incredibly talented, musicians at the time, including the cello work of Erik Friedlander, who was making his debut recording. This unique lineup contributes to the album’s distinct and subtle soundscape, emphasizing composition and ensemble chemistry over individual solo flash.
In essence, Underneath It All is a “musician’s album”—a hidden gem that showcases Harvie S’s compositional depth and mastery of the acoustic bass in a beautiful, atmospheric, and highly sophisticated setting.