Shannon Harris
The New World Reveal-A-Solution
A voyage through the future urban underground grasping textures of jazz fusion,afro-beat,deep house,spoken word,cosmic jazz,soul,hip hop,gospel,soul and funk.
Rising from the urban grass roots of Chicago, carrying on the enrich tradition of musicianship, art and culture emerges producer/DJ/artist Shannon Harris. The debut album "The New World Reveal-A-Solution", travels through key periods of the urban underground past, present and future. "The New World Reveal-A-Solution" is the link between the global urban musical movements which brings the listener positive organic energy through several intense jam sessions. Shannon collaborated with some of the most talented artist in Chicago and abroad to compose legendary recording sessions on the likes of Sun Ra, John Coltrane, Fela and Femi Kuti, Herbie Hancock, Fertile Ground, Miriam Makeba, Building an Ark, Ursula Rucker, Sol Live, King Britt's Sylk 130, the Detroit Experiment, Oneness of JuJu and Quincy Jones.
Some key compositions to keep an eye out for are:
"Mizimu (Ancestral Spirits)" which is an afrobeat jazz fusion 12 minute journey. Starting off as an afrikan spiritual and ending with an afro-beat celebration. This composition is woven in a late night setting along the river surrounded by the sounds of nature. You are then embraced with soothing voices, seductive drums, conga's of romance, mesmerizing piano riffs, a jazzy bass line and a strong up front shaker swinging in the background. Then as you are hooked in the moment, Shannon hits you with rhythmic afrikan drum circle percussions, chants, afrikan funk bass lines, hypnotic organ pads, pounding afro-beat drums, free form saxophone and trumpet, killer 8 piece horn section, and traditional Afrikan vocals.
"Sapphire" takes you on a late night spoken word verses organic hip-hop production jam session. Mellow poetic gestures layered over percussive hip hop beats, funky congas, head bouncing bass synth, party claps, old school hip hop scratches, blowing wind, and stereophonic efx's.
"Afro Cosmo" the future cosmic jazz and rock fusion connection takes you to outer space, around the universe and back to planet earth. A spiritual and musical 3rd eye mind trip featuring afro-Rock mellow drum hooks, piercing marimba patterns, spaces bass, galactic guitar, asteroid shower congas, first light and time tunnel keys. WHOA! Sun Ra meets Jimi Hendrix in outer space.
"May God be with you Always" a mixture of world and house music promoting harmonious dance. Beginning with a dramatically intro of roaring thunder, rain, and wind taken over by an Asian gong, catchy bass line, theatrical strings, peaceful woodwinds, percussive bongo's, and a booming Roland 808 kick.
"Coming Together" is a late Friday night dance floor jazzy jam session where you can hear the crowd interact with the music in unison. Driving dance style drums married to jazz-fusion piano riffs, funky bass grooves, 4 part harmony vocals, hand claps, instrument solo's and shouting party dancers.
"Keep on Reachin" the intimate relationship between Chicago house music, gospel and funk taking you to church while the dancers get their JACK on. It contains warm sax and trumpet solo's, piercing organ and Rhode chords, a grooving bass line hook with strong embracing choir vocals.
Shannon Harris recorded the album at Groove Entourage Studio's in Chicago in a series of several jam sessions over a period of 5 years. Shannon handpicked each participant specifically for the creation of album "The New World Reveal-A-Solution". Some of the talent includes:
Avery R. Young - Featured on HBO, BET, MTV and VH1. Collaborated with artist such as Roy Ayers, Les Nubians, The Last Poets, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Member of the Chicago band Urban Griot Movement.
Ugochi aka Afrikan Butterfly - Star Search semi Finalist, writer for the song "So Be It" sung by R&B star Kelis on the critically acclaimed album "Red Hot Riot" produced by Femi Kuti, featured on WTTW's Wild Chicago and Artbeat Chicago, WXRT, as well as performed with acclaimed artists such as Common, Eric Benet, Michael McDermott, Edwin McCain, Maxi Priest and Lauryn Hill.
Corey Wilkes - Member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, shared the stage with numerous jazz heavyweights including; Roscoe Mitchell, Fred Anderson, Terence Blanchard, Clark Terry, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Belgrave, Roy Hargrove, James Moody and Kurt Elling.
Frank Parker - Played with Jerry "The Iceman" Butler, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The Cerqua Rivera Art Experience Dance Ensemble, the Jump Rhythm Dance Project. Has been featured with Patricia Barber, Arturo Sandoval, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Jim Snidero, Orbert Davis, and John Fedchock. Frank also performed on the classic's "Desperado/El Montuno" and "Black Asiactic Women" on Urbanicity Recordings produced by Shannon Harris.
Eric "Marbll" Johnson - Worked on productions with Kanye West, Angie Stone, Dru Hill, Chingy, and Pras from the Fugees. Featured on commercials for Budweiser, McDonald's, Miller Genuine Draft, Busch Gardens, and Toys R' US. Recorded with the following artist: Glenn Underground, pop artist Jackie Dustin, the Pentecostals of Chicago Choir, the Turks and Caicos Mass Choir, and the Arkansas Mass Choir.
William Kurk - Recorded and performed with the following artist: Roy Davis Jr., David Boykin, Seal, Organic Mind Unit, The Dells, Melba Moore, The Marvelettes, The Platters, The Coasters, Prophet Jones, Lyle Miller,Chester Gregory, and Lena Mclin. Shared stages with KRS-One, the Pharcyde and Wu-Tang Clan's Genius.
Rob Amster - Bassist of Blue Note artist Kurt Elling, performed and recorded with Dizzy Gillispie, Joe Lovano, Paquito D'Rivera, Milt Jackson, Jon Hendricks, Fareed Haque, Maynard Ferguson, Larry Coryell, and Rebbeca Paris.
Gabe "dequai84" Wallace - Shared the stage with Richard Patterson (David Sanborn), Chris "daddy" Dave (Meshell Ndegeocello, Kenny Garrett, Mint Condition), Fred Anderson (Chicago saxophone jazz legend), Vincent Davis (Chicago drumming jazz legend), Corey Wilkes (Art Ensemble of Chicago), Junto Phenix (Chicago funk band), The Rhetoric (Chicago rock band), Ascendant (Chicago Neo Soul band), and the Dennis Winnslett Quartet (Chicago jazz band)
"The New World Reveal-A-Solution" is the answer to the world's lack of organic musicianship and positive inspiration. The project involves over 20 artist from the US, Canada and the continent of Africa. Sharing their personal visions and trying to make a global change with musical expression and art were the goals of Shannon Harris and his musical disciples.
"The New World Reveal-A-Solution" is a tribute to spirituality, religion, families, ancestors, cultures, nature, humanity, science, health, the past, present, and future. Every theory and message is captured within the12-page full color booklet, 14-song CD. Filled with colorful photos and graphic designs expressing the energy of the project and artist. Urbanicity Recordings is proud to bring you the debut album "The New World Reveal-A-Solution" which in the words of Swahili, Luo, and English respectively means: muziki kwa watu wote, thum mar ji duto, music for everyone.
Peace and Blessing,
Ladji of Urbanicity Recordings
World: Afro-Beat