Eddie Harris and Les McCann - Second Movement (2000)

Eddie Harris and Les McCann's Second Movement is the second and last duet recording by Harris and McCann, and the follow-up to their 1969 "live" recording Swiss Movement. The tenor saxophonist and the vocalist and pianist display their brand of showmanship and musicality that rivaled such great pairings as Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Shirley Scott and Stanley Turrentine, or Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons. This LP is a soul-jazz/funk workout and features great technology that emphasizes one of their best songs, "Shorty Rides Again." The explosive chemistry between McCann and Harris highlights the resonance and excitement inherent in the compositions, as well as Cissy Houston's vocals and the extended vamps ignited by Harris on electric sax. Released in 1971, the album was panned by critics for abandoning straight-ahead jazz for commercial and experimental, and self-indulgent purposes; however, when measured by 21st standards, this LP is a gem that continues to inspire a new generation of soul-jazz musicians.