Billy Harper - Somalia (Omagatoki, 1993)

Billy Harper, tenor sax
Eddie Henderson, trumpet
Francesca Tanksley, piano
Louis Spears, bass
Horacee Arnold, drums
Newman Taylor Baker, drums

Madeleine Yayodele Nelson, shekere

Recorded October 16 & 21, 1993
Power Station, NYC
Engineer: Richard Applegate

Billy Harper's Somalia first appeared in 1994 on the Japanese Omagatoki label, an imprint I had never heard of before researching the albums for this blog. It was recorded in New York in 1993, but difficult for American collectors to find. Fortunately, Evidence released the album in 1995 with slightly modified artwork. Omagatoki then reissued the album in 1996.

 

I am glad that Somalia survived the distribution maze because it is the second appearance of Billy Harper's quintet following the release of Destiny Is Yours in 1990 on SteepleChase. Francesca Tanksley, Eddie Henderson, Louis Spears, and Newman Taylor Baker would become a durable unit, capable of fulfilling Harper's spiritual vision. Somalia augments the quintet with a second drummer and a shekere player.

The title track commences with chanting from the band members and friends, singing in a language I cannot identify. The words don't matter, and it's a nice touch that helps to add some exotic solemnity. "Somalia" does not revisit the chant but rather works though one epic solo after another. "Thy Will Be Done" follows and removes any doubts about where Harper's spirituality lies. Both opening tracks are lengthy with "Somalia" lasting 13:26 and "Thy Will Be Done" 21:48.

"Quest," the album's third track, is one of my favorite Harper compositions. It begins with a short fanfare by Harper, Henderson, and one (or both?) of the drummers. The tenor solo comes first and packs an emotional wallop. Henderson follows with an equally profound solo on open horn. 

"Light Within" is another of my favorites, due to its attractive, hummable melody. It's a soul-searching exercise but an approachable one. Henderson's solo precedes Harper's best solo on the album. Tanksley then takes a fantastic solo - she is such a marvelous member of this group. The rhythm section is key to sustaining the tune through its 8 minutes. 

I was pleased to see a new album by Mark Masters that honors Harper's music and includes him as the featured soloist in a larger group (Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance, Capri, 2025). The 81-year-old Harper is still in great form and gratefully not forgotten. Tanksley also plays piano on all tracks. Thank you, Mark Masters!

For my review of Harper's Destiny Is Yours, go to:

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