The Pied Piper of Jazz

ufus Harley may be the only American jazz musician to focus almost exclusively on the Scottish bagpipes (he occasionally plays saxophone, too). Though this has arguably limited Harley's visibility, the man is quite serious about the pipes as an expressive jazz instrument, and this compilation--taken from some of his '60s albums on Atlantic--is the proof. (As further proof, Harley has also appeared on albums by The Roots and Laurie Anderson.)
He draws an earthy, soulful wail from his instrument, placing it solidly into a soul-charged hard bop context reminiscent of Bobby Timmons and early-'60s Herbie Hancock. On "Bagpipe Blues" Harley draws from his pipes a drone that recalls not only the Scottish Highlands, but also the sidewalks of Marrakesh and the passionately yearning wails of John Coltrane and Sidney Bechet. Other tracks on this collection include Harley as a featured guest with other leaders: Sonny Stitt, cooking on "Pipin' the Blues"; a soul-jazz workout featuring the organ of Don Patterson; and Herbie Mann on the magnetic "Flute Bag".|