Pacific Harp Project: Pacific Harp Project

Megan Bledsoe Ward started playing the harp at the young age of ten. She earned a doctorate degree in music studies, more specifically the role of harp in jazz and American pop music and performs with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. The classically trained musician has gotten together with a group of fine musicians including Noel Okimoto (vibraphone), Jon Hawes (bass) and Allan Ward (drums).

First things first, this is a very mellow disc. The album sound is geared towards classical and jazz with the harp at its core although the other three musicians are given the green light to show their talent. You must remember there is nothing over the top or anything resembling ego driven showmanship as this is a very gentle and serene sounding affair.

"Sonatine" begins the album with a light bass/drum groove amidst swirling harp and light as a feather vibraphone meanderings. There is certainly a jazzy vibe on this one. On "Revenge of the Harpies" the bass and drums are pure jazz and the harp is gently plucked while vibraphone is much more dominant. The playing is both subtle and well-conceived. Hawes bass solo is an album highlight. "Willow Waltz", is just that, a gentle waltz while "Danse Sacrée" features the harp and bass at their absolute best.

Pacific Harp Project might be a little too mellow for me but there is no denying this is an album that knows what it wants to be with top notch musicianship and nice arrangements. Fans of more tranquil jazz should be captured by Bledsoe's sense of feeling and depth and classical fans will no doubt be interested as well.

Track Listing:
1. Sonatine
2. Revenge Of The Harpies
3. Rhapsodie
4. Willow Waltz
5. Danse Sacrée
6. Danse Profane
7. Portrait
8. Intro & Allegro
9. Serafina
10. Un Sospiro
11. First Take
12. Incognito

Added: March 9th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1963
Language: english

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