A Nu Jazz experience

Nu Jazz artiste Ray Harris wants to put the fun back in jazz and all are invited, writes AREF OMAR.

GLASGOW may be a hot bed for producing notable rock acts the likes of Travis, Franz Ferdinand, Mogwai and The Fratellis, but keyboard player and composer Ray Harris prefers to express himself through the contemporary urban chic of Nu Jazz.

“To me, Nu Jazz interprets a unique sound and blend of jazz music but without the strict and self righteous ideas that traditional jazz music tends to demonstrate,” says the 30-year-old Glaswegian.

Infusing core jazz fundamentals and arrangements with many styles, including funk, soul, Latin, Afro Beat and electronica, Harris serves up a cocktail of fresh and unique sounds with a broad appeal to people interested in all types of music.

“Glasgow has a long history of blues rock music. Initially I did find it difficult to break into the live music scene but once I got the opportunity for people to hear my music, I quickly established a firm fan base within this vibrant city.

“Although jazz in Glasgow is relatively small, the UK is a haven for jazz with so many great jazz festivals,” he says.

Just like his music, Harris’ musical influences are far and wide, although he credits Ray Manzarek, Dave Brubeck, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chopin for his piano and organ style.

Providence shone upon him when a cousin decided to give him an 80-year-old family piano that would have otherwise been destroyed.

“The piano was very old but I cleaned it up and painted it white. I loved it!” recalls Harris, who was 14 at the time and already into the jazz piano sound, which eventually cemented his love for the instrument.

“I really listened to lots of records and even taught myself to play boogie woogie blues piano,” he says.

After studying jazz and blues at the National Jazz Institute in Glasgow, Harris realised his calling.

“I could feel it in my soul. I knew that I wanted to perform and write my own music,” he says.

Harris also credits his family, especially his mother, for their support, encouragement and undying faith in him.

With a band of professional sessions musicians who include John Paul Speirs on bass, Jamie Thomas McGory on drums, Signy Jakobsdottir on percussions, Euan Malloch on guitar and Marie Claire Lee on backing vocals, Harris went on to perform extensively as Ray Harris & The Fusion Experience.

Highlights include opening for the Godfather of Soul James Brown and the Average White Band in 2006, which he describes as a surreal experience.

“His music and life was such an influence on me and to have the privilege of performing with him was absolutely fantastic,” says Harris who received the Brewin Dolphin Best Newcomer Award at last year’s Marlborough International Jazz Festival.

He previously released a 12-inch vinyl Scaramunga on his label Fusion Music Recordings which was a hit with DJs across the globe and had been licensed on a number of compilation albums including A Night At The Jazz Rooms. His latest album was released last year in Japan on P-Vine Records.

“I am finalising a live album that I have been recording for over a year and which I plan to release in early 2009,” he says.

“My performance on stage is always full of energy. It’s the best way to express myself and to connect with the audience when I play. The rhythm of my music represents my vigour,” he says.

Catch Ray Harris and the Fusion Experience on Dec 7 (8.10pm) at the Penang Island Jazz Festival at Penang’s Bayview Beach Resort.