Jesse Harris - Sub Rosa (2013)

Tracklist

01. I Know It Won't Be Long
02. Rocking Chairs
03. All Your Days
04. It's Been Going 'round
05. Waltz of the Rain
06. Sad Blues
07. Afternoon in Kanda
08. I Won't Wait
09. Patchouli
10. The Maiden
11. Tant pis
12. Rube and Mandy At Coney Island
13. You Used to Call Me
14. Let It All Come Down


Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jesse Harris opted for a change of scenery while recording his 11th album, Sub Rosa; the New York native headed down to Brazil to work with a handful of talented local musicians in Rio de Janeiro, including guitarist Guilherme Monteiro, Maycon Ananias on keyboards, and bassist Dadi, with Harris' longtime drummer Bill Dobrow joining in. The results don't represent a radical break from Harris' past, but tunes such as "All Your Days," "Rocking Chairs," "Patchouli," and "Let It All Come Down" boast a subtle tropical feel, resembling a slightly gangly 21st century variation on Stan Getz's work with Astrud Gilberto, and the presence of several of Jesse's frequent collaborators (including Norah Jones, Conor Oberst, and Bill Frisell) allows this material to reach comfortably between the sensuous Latin subtext and the easygoing folk-infused pop-jazz that's been Harris' calling card since his days with the Ferdinandos. As usual, Harris' vocals are breathy and understated enough to make James Taylor sound like Ice Cube, but he manages to generate just a little extra swagger in these performances, giving the music a welcome sway that enlivens the melodies, and the interplay between the musicians is excellent, precise yet with a comfortable, casual spirit. And as a songwriter, Harris doesn't reveal any new tricks on Sub Rosa, but he spins these tales of relationships both happy and sad with superb craft and a winning, easygoing confidence that's the mark of a gifted pro. Sub Rosa's tropical undercurrents aren't likely to change anyone's opinion of Jesse Harris, but the small changes do make a difference, and fans should find this a rewarding listen, while folks unfamiliar with his work would do well to start here as they investigate his catalog.

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