The passing of anyone is hard to accept, especially when they’ve left an indelible impression upon us. In the musical world, two giants left us way too soon and left us wondering what might have been- pianist Mulgrew Miller and trumpeter Roy Hargrove. Artists of the highest caliber, they often played together in various situations over the years and shared a great rapport. The legacy they left behind individually is monumental, but to hear their posthumously released album In Harmony is enough to bring tears of sorrow and joy to anyone who knew them and their music. The double LP release is of two concerts where they played duo, and like the title suggests they are in complete harmony.
The first concert starts off with a wonderful rubato intro by Mulgrew Miller on the timeless standard, ‘What is this thing called love?’ He sets up a medium up-tempo intro with hints of a Latin feel, but it quickly becomes a swinging affair once Hargrove’s trumpet enters. His lyrical playing of the melody continues on in his solo which is perfectly complemented by Mulgrew’s tasteful comping., and watch out if he starts walking basslines in his left hand! The bebop language that permeates the two players playing connects them perfectly, and one can really hear it when they trade. The exquisite playing on,’ I Remember Clifford’ is enough to make any listener want to cry. Both joyful and lamentable, the range of expression is wide. Hargrove’s trumpet sounds as if he is singing, which is no surprise as he was a very good singer as well. Mulgrew’s touch on the piano seems to pull emotions out of the keys of the piano originating from the deepest parts of the soul. Triste is a perfect example of how these two masters’ sense of rhythm is unparalleled. Even with just the two of them, it seems as if they have the power of an entire rhythm section. It’s no wonder they have defined the modern jazz vernacular on their respective instruments.
I really can go on forever on each track, but I believe the music speaks for itself. The lucky patrons of these historical concerts were truly blessed to have witnessed them in person. While these giants have left us they have left a vast legacy for us to continue to learn from and this album is just more material for musicians to study, and for all aficionados to enjoy as well. Thank you to maestros Roy Hargrove and Mulgrew Miller for their artistry. We truly miss you and thank you!
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