What makes Is It In by Eddie Harris notable?

Is It In is significant for its adventurous blend of genres and instrumentation, showcasing Harris's virtuosic saxophone playing. The album received critical acclaim and has influenced subsequent generations of jazz musicians who seek to merge various musical styles. Released in 1974, Is It In came during Eddie Harris's prolific period as a jazz innovator, following his breakthrough album, The Electrifying Eddie Harris. At this point in his career, Harris was expanding his sound palette, blending traditional jazz with funk and rock elements, while establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.

Is It In works well if you're into vibrant grooves for dancing, soulful melodies for relaxation and cosmic themes for exploration.

How many songs are on Is It In?

Is It In has 9 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Is It In

Eddie Harris · 1974

45 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and world rhythms that challenges musical boundaries with intricate arrangements and energetic performances.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Funkaroma — This track exemplifies Harris's innovative approach to blending funk grooves with complex jazz harmonies, creating an infectious energy that sets the tone for the album.
→
It's War — With its powerful political message and haunting melody, this track showcases Harris's ability to use music as a platform for social commentary, making it stand out on the album.
→
House Party Blues — This extended piece encapsulates the celebratory spirit of the album while allowing Harris's improvisational skills to shine through, inviting listeners to experience the joy of communal music-making.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and strong performances, blending jazz with funk and world influences.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong groove in 'Funkaroma', establishing a rhythmic foundation that persists throughout.
Each track features complex arrangements, often layering multiple instruments and rhythms to create a rich soundscape.
Harris's saxophone leads most tracks, frequently engaging in call-and-response patterns with the backing band.
The final track, 'Tranquility & Antagonistic', shifts to a more contemplative mood, contrasting with the energetic preceding pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant grooves for dancing
soulful melodies for relaxation
cosmic themes for exploration
engaging rhythms for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek standalone track variety

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1974, Is It In came during Eddie Harris's prolific period as a jazz innovator, following his breakthrough album, The Electrifying Eddie Harris. At this point in his career, Harris was expanding his sound palette, blending traditional jazz with funk and rock elements, while establishing himself as a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Sun Ra· Herbie Hancock· Pharoah Sanders