Joe Harriott : Fire in His Soul

by Alan Robertson, Gary Crosby (Preface by)

'Parker? There's them over here can play a few aces too.' Measuring himself alongside his mentor Charlie Parker, Jamaican alto saxophonist Joe Harriott had no doubts about his talent and abilities-and with good reason. A brilliant instrumentalist and a visionary in the development of jazz, Harriott gained legions of admirers for his fiery playing in Britain and beyond before embarking on a quest to extend the limits of the music. His unique conception of free form, evolved independently of American developments, heralded the emergence of contemporary European jazz. Later, with John Mayer, he pioneered cross-cultural fusions of jazz and Indian music. Neglected in his life-time by an unappreciative arts establishment, Harriott produced a body of recorded work that is increasingly influential and widely acclaimed. This book, based on author Alan Robertson's extensive interviews with many who knew Joe best, for the first time gives a full account of the triumphs and tragedies of Harriott's remarkable life.

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003