What makes Nexus by Gene Harris notable?

Nexus showcased Harris's ability to meld genres, contributing to the growing popularity of jazz-funk during the era. It received positive reviews for its innovative arrangements and solidified Harris's status as an influential artist, paving the way for future musicians exploring similar fusions. The album also became notable for its standout track 'Love Don’t Love Nobody', which has been recognized as a classic in jazz and soul circles. Released in 1975, Nexus was Gene Harris's fifth studio album, following his successful work with the Three Sounds. By this time, Harris had carved out a unique niche within the jazz genre, seamlessly blending elements of soul and funk into his sound. This album solidified his reputation as a significant figure in the jazz scene during the mid-1970s.

How many songs are on Nexus?

Nexus has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Nexus

Gene Harris · 1975

43 min · 9 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of jazz and funk, laced with soulful grooves and intricate piano arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love Don’t Love Nobody — This track features a powerful vocal delivery and emotive lyrics that explore themes of heartbreak, showcasing Harris's range beyond instrumental prowess.
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Funky Business — With its infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo, this track captures the essence of funk while highlighting Harris's distinctive piano style.
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Jitterbug Waltz — A playful reinterpretation of the classic song, Harris infuses it with a lively groove that exemplifies his innovative approach to jazz standards.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Nexus blends jazz and funk with intricate arrangements, showcasing Harris's unique style but lacks strong cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature extended piano solos that showcase intricate improvisation and rhythmic complexity.
The use of brass and percussion throughout adds layers of texture, creating a rich, vibrant soundscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Love Don’t Love Nobody

The chorus shifts from hopeful reflection to stark realization about love's unpredictability, creating a poignant contrast.

This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by juxtaposing optimism with vulnerability, enriching the narrative arc of the song.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sauda 2:05
2 Funky Business 4:05
3 Koko and Lee Roe 6:05
4 Love Don’t Love Nobody 7:28
5 Rushin’ Roulette 3:52
6 Jitterbug Waltz 5:34
7 Gettin’ Down Country 4:00
8 H.R.D. (Boogie) 5:08
9 Prayer ’76 5:34

What to play next

Listen next

Astral Signal

1975

Go back to

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

1973

Full Gene Harris discography Artists like Gene Harris

blues funk jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata