Second Movement
Eddie Harris · 1971
38 min · 5 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and world music, driven by dynamic rhythms and soulful improvisations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shorty Rides Again — This opening track showcases intricate saxophone melodies intertwined with rhythmic complexity, setting the tone for the innovative soundscape of the album.
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Universal Prisoner — The track's exploration of social themes through a blend of upbeat rhythms and reflective solos captures Harris's ability to merge musical prowess with poignant messages.
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Carry on Brother — With its infectious groove and call-and-response vocal elements, this track exemplifies the cross-cultural dialogue Harris sought to achieve throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong improvisation and diverse sounds but lacks a cohesive narrative across its tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong, rhythmic groove in 'Shorty Rides Again' that sets a lively tone for the record.
- Each track features extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in depth.
- The use of diverse instrumentation, including horns and percussion, creates a rich tapestry of sound that blends jazz with world music elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- improvisational explorations with depth
- politically charged rhythmic energy
- engaging long-form compositions
- dynamic shifts in pacing
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, short tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1971, Second Movement was Eddie Harris's follow-up to his acclaimed album, The Electrifying Eddie Harris. At this stage in his career, Harris was gaining recognition for his innovative approach to jazz, blending traditional elements with electric instrumentation and global influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sun Ra· Herbie Hancock· Pharoah Sanders
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Set Us Free
The chorus shifts from hopeful yearning to an urgent plea, emphasizing liberation and unity amidst a backdrop of rich instrumental layers.
This shift in tone highlights the tension between aspiration and reality, deepening the emotional impact of the song while reinforcing its thematic urgency.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Shorty Rides Again 8:31
- 2 Universal Prisoner 5:01
- 3 Carry on Brother 7:12
- 4 Set Us Free 10:28
- 5 Samia 7:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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