Joe Harriott

Joe Harriott was a groundbreaking Jamaican-born alto saxophonist who became one of the most innovative figures in British jazz. Moving to the UK in the early 1950s, he made his mark with a bold, adventurous sound that pushed the genre forward. Harriott was an early pioneer of free jazz in Europe, developing a style uniquely his own that paralleled, but was independent of, the innovations happening in the U.S. He later explored new territory with Indo-Jazz Fusions, blending jazz with South Indian classical music—an exciting and influential experiment in cross-cultural collaboration.

His playing was fiery and expressive, with a tone that was both edgy and lyrical. Though he didn't always receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime, Harriott's work has gained increasing appreciation over the years for its originality and forward-thinking vision. From bebop roots to avant-garde explorations, Joe Harriott left a lasting legacy as a true jazz innovator.

Genres

Free Jazz

Jazz

Latest Release

Parallel

Joe Harriott

Album - 11 Tracks - Released March 29, 2024