The All-Star Lineup
This isn’t just a band; it’s a who’s who of some of the most influential players of the era.
- Harvie S. (Harvie Swartz) on Bass: The leader and composer of most of the tunes. He’s a legendary bassist known for his melodic and versatile playing.
- Mike Stern on Guitar: Stern was at a particularly hot point in his career, having recently come from his time with Miles Davis. His fiery, distorted, yet deeply lyrical guitar style is a defining voice of this period of jazz.
- David Sanborn on Alto Saxophone: Sanborn’s unmistakable, soulful, and often gritty tone made him a crossover sensation. His presence on this record brings a powerful, blues-infused element that complements Stern’s guitar perfectly.
- Victor Lewis on Drums: A master drummer known for his incredible groove and musicality. He’s a very in-demand sideman who has played with a huge range of jazz legends, and his drumming provides a rock-solid, yet fluid, foundation for the music.
A Snapshot of ’80’s JAzz Fusion
- A Snapshot of ’80s Jazz Fusion: The album was released in 1985, a period when jazz was exploring new sounds, often blending with rock, funk, and R&B. “Urban Earth” is a perfect encapsulation of this movement. It’s a prime example of the kind of intelligent, sophisticated fusion that was being made at the time—it’s not just technical shredding, but has strong melodic and harmonic ideas.
- The Interplay: The real magic of this record is the interaction between the musicians. Stern and Sanborn, in particular, had a great musical relationship. Their solo sections are not just individual statements but conversations. They push each other, and their contrasting but complementary styles create a very dynamic and exciting sound.
- It’s a “Musician’s Record”: While it has commercial appeal due to the star power of Sanborn and Stern, it’s also a record that is highly respected within the jazz community for its musical depth. The compositions by Harvie S. are well-crafted, and the performances demonstrate a high level of musicianship and taste.
In essence, “Urban Earth” is special because it brings together a cast of jazz giants at the peak of their powers, creating a record that is both a historical document of the ’80s jazz fusion scene and a timeless example of incredible musical chemistry and improvisation.