Marsalis Music
2003
Other Hours
About This Album
Harry Connick, Jr. spent most of the '90s exploring second-line funk, making a name for himself in movies, and generally distancing himself from his classic crooner image. By the late '90s, it seemed as if the pianist/vocalist had lost the plot and it was hard to remember what made him such a phenomenal jazz talent. Then came 1997's romantic orchestral album To See You, followed by Connick's response to the neo-swing movement of the late '90s, Come by Me. Both of these albums featured Connick performing straight-ahead jazz that capitalized on his "American songbook"-style composing abilities and urbane, laconic vocal drawl. It was clear he was finally returning to his jazz roots with mature chops and a modern sophistication all his own. In this spirit, 2003's Other Hours featuring Charles "Ned" Goold on tenor sax, Neal Caine on bass, and Arthur Latin II on drums is Connick's return to playing straight-ahead, all original, modern instrumental jazz. Not since 1990's Lofty's Roach Souffle has the musician-turned-actor attempted this, and maybe he really shouldn't have. That is not to say Other Hours is bad; on the contrary, it showcases the entertainer's finely developed piano chops as well as his engaging compositional style.
Track List (try track 1)

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