RUFUS HARLEY
The Pied Piper Of Jazz (Label M)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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When Rufus Harley saw the pipers in John Kennedy's funeral parade, he was inspired to add the instrument to his musical arsenal which already included saxophones and flute. Though a capable player on the woodwinds, it was his work on the bagpipes that differentiated him from the pack. When a young Philadelphia disc jockey named Joel Dorn got a chance to produce records for Atlantic, one of the artists he tagged for attention was the Philly-based piper, and the two albums that ensued provide the bulk of the material for this new compilation from Dorn's Label M.

There are cuts featuring Harley on soprano and tenor sax and flute, and he proves capable if not particularly distinctive on those instruments. Once again, the distinction lies in Harley treading ground no other's would approach. Using the pipe's inherent drone much in the way Rhassan Roland Kirk used multiple horns to a similar effect, he carved out a unique role for himself in the world of jazz. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, or shot of Scotch, as the case may be, but it sure works for me.

It worked for plenty of others, too, including Sonny Stitt, who brought Harley aboard for his 1967 album, Deuces Wild, from which "Pipin' The Blues" appears here. It worked for Herbie Mann, who jams with Harley on the live "Flute Bag" from his album The Whirling Dervishes, a live track also featured on the collection.

Rufus Harley is still at it, working the festival circuit from his Philadelphia home and producing new self-produced material. The Pied Piper Of Jazz is a great snapshot of his days of major label glory, though, and well worth hearing.

Track List:

Feeling Good * Kerry Dancers * Scotch & Soul * Pipin' The Blues * Bagpipe Blues * More * Sufur * Taurus The 20th * Flute Bag

© 2001 - Shaun Dale