Washington D.C. native Joel Harrison resists musical categorization. For those who know his work as a jazz guitarist and composer, Harrison's vocal talent will come as a surprise. Harrison's worn, bluesy voice is used to great effect in material that entertains even as it grapples with deep issues. Harrison's sound stems from a love of American song combined with unusual instrumentation from around the world. Passing Train (Tuition/Pure Land) was produced by Ben Wittman, who is well known for his work with Jonatha Brooke and Lucy Kaplansky. It continues along a path first suggested by his 2003 release, Free Country, which featured Norah Jones on vocals and was considered one of the best recordings of the year by many critics. Harrison paints a landscape in which all styles of American music commingle in haunting, poetic, thoroughly original ways. He is equally at home writing songs and complex chamber music, playing modern jazz and bar blues. Musicians on Passing Train include Ben Wittman, Jamey Haddad, Henry Hey, Stephan Crump, Greg Clark, Jen Chapin and more. All of these musicians draw from country, blues, gospel, jazz, New Orleans, and West African genres to create a unique sound. The recording will be released in June 2008 and available at this website, through Amazon.com in the United States, and through Tuition Records in Europe.

"Mr. Harrison is a jazz-trained guitarist and composer, but on his new album, Passing Train, he steps into the position of a roots-haunted singer-songwritwer with a knowing, yearning tone."
     — Nate Chinen, NY Times

Joel Harrison: Passing Train