Free Country Press Release

HARRISON HAS LINKED THE COUNTRY SONGBOOK TO JAZZ IN A UNIQUE AND STARTLING WAY

The ACT company announces the release of guitarist/composer/singer Joel Harrison's latest cd: Free Country scheduled for a June 17th street date in the United States. Free Country is a collection of old American Country and Appalachian tunes arranged in unusual, sometimes radical, ways. This body of work is Harrison's sonic view of the experiment known as America- not the billboard, but the underbelly. He has taken timeless songs into regions both haunting and humorous, gorgeous and reckless, retelling their stories through the lens of his visionary arranging and the improvisational talents of the players. In essence it is a Jazz record, but it's stylistic scope is enormous. Harrison has practically created a new genre. He has linked the Country songbook to Jazz in a startling new way.

This is a special recording, both because of its originality and its wonderful personnel. Most remarkably, superstar singer Norah Jones appears on two cuts, Tennessee Waltz and I Walk the Line. Her poignant reading of these tunes is drenched in soul. The great alto saxophonist Dave Binney appears as does pianist Uri Caine and accordionist Rob Berger from the Tin Hat Trio. Binney will be part of the Joe's Pub group as will Rob Berger (accordion, piano), Rob Thomas (violin), Jen Chapin (voice), Todd Isler (percussion), Dan Weiss (drums, tabla), and Stephan Crump (bass). These players, all amongst the strongest on the New York scene, bring spontaneity, personality, passion, and an open view to this music.

Free Country was released in Europe in late April and has received rave reviews. Magazines, such as Jazzthetik, have already proclaimed it “record of the year.” The London Times said, “This is as singular a musical vision as you are likely to encounter all year.” JazzMan Magazine in France has awarded it 4 stars while the Herald Tribune says it “Stands out in a crowded field.” Many reviewers agree that the record is unique, for its combination of accessibility and virtuosic artistry, its simplicity mixed with intriguing complexity, its graspable history and quizzical mystery.

FOR ADDITIONAL ARTIST INFORMATION AND TO RSVP FOR JOE'S PUB
CONTACT: DON LUCOFF or STEPH BROWN at DL Media
(610) 667-0501 or dondlmedia@covad.net or stephdlmedia@covad.net

THE CD IS IN STORES IN AMERICA!
Look for details soon on our 13-date West Coast tour.

Free Country is available at joelharrison.com or Highnote Records: jazzdepo@ix.netcom.com, 212-873-2020