Eddie Harris and
Les McCann's
Second Movement is the second and last duet recording by
Harris and
McCann, and the follow-up to their 1969 "live" recording
Swiss Movement. The tenor saxophonist and the vocalist and pianist display their brand of showmanship and musicality that rivaled such great pairings as
Johnny Griffin and
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis,
Shirley Scott and
Stanley Turrentine, or
Sonny Stitt and
Gene Ammons. This LP is a soul-jazz/funk workout and features great technology that emphasizes one of their best songs, "Shorty Rides Again." The explosive chemistry between
McCann and
Harris highlights the resonance and excitement inherent in the compositions, as well as
Cissy Houston's vocals and the extended vamps ignited by
Harris on electric sax. Released in 1971, the album was panned by critics for abandoning straight-ahead jazz for commercial and experimental, and self-indulgent purposes; however, when measured by 21st standards, this LP is a gem that continues to inspire a new generation of soul-jazz musicians. ~ Paula Edelstein