Tag Archives: Dave Harrington

On Record – Harrington/Jaffe/Shiroishi: Making Colors (AKP Recordings)

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Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Guitarist Dave Harrington, drummer Max Jaffe and saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi return for a sequel to their first musical meeting Speak, Moment, recorded and released by Los Angeles label AKP Recordings in 2024.

For the sequel, they go deeper, with a record whose A-side is essentially a suite of four distinct movements. On the B-side the three tracks reflect “a growing embrace of the sonic vacuum that electronic music depends on…a heaviness that the trio’s 2024 live record Zebulon! unlocked…and an outstretched and unhurried melodic ambience”.

What’s the music like?

There is a fascinating variety of styles and textures at play on this album, rooted in avant-garde jazz but exploring musical territories of great interest to those who love ambient electronica and upfront improvisation.

The four-movement suite with which the album begins moves between ambience and ear-shredding intensity, carefully controlled and yet with the opportunity for each of the three performers to cut loose, which they do on the extended sweat street 7-QS:ZBN9_. The second half finds Shiroishi assertive on Fractal Hash, while Harrington’s studied guitar leads the long form trackerKeeper under spacious California skies, a compelling track of ambience and yet powered by a curious tension.

The frisson of live performance crackles throughout this compelling trip, and at times it is possible if not too far-fetched to sense the wide open plains of the Mojave desert.

Does it all work?

Yes. The musical chemistry between the three is compelling, as are the sound pictures they create.

Is it recommended?

It is. Making Colors is a natural progression for the trio, whose musical acumen and communication is leading them to greater heights. Making Colors is a fascinating album, and a rewarding one to follow.

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Published post no.2,867 – Friday 24 April 2026

On Record – Dave Harrington, Max Jaffe & Patrick Shroishi: Speak, Moment (AKP Recordings)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

One of jazz music’s strongest qualities is improvisation, and the way musicians are encouraged to speak with freedom and walk a tightrope, to see what they are capable of.

Such a statement can certainly be applied to these three musicians, who improvised this recording on the afternoon of their very first meeting. Dave Harrington contributes guitar and electronics, Max Jaffe looks after the drums and percussion while Patrick Shiroishi is the saxophonist, as well as contributing bells and tambourine.

What’s the music like?

Consistently engaging – and inventive with it. There are four longer form pieces here, and the shorter Ship Rock. Each finds the players fully engaged while the extra-long pieces are well structured, with imaginative changes of colour to aid the ebb and flow.

Staring Into The Imagination (Of Your Face) is immediately notable for Jaffe’s sensitive brush work and Shiroishi’s well-judged vibrato, the saxophone given a nicely poised solo. How To Draw Buildings is something of an epic that bursts with sonic invention, with smoky and psychedelic moods that feature some powerful, long notes on the sax.

Dance Of The White Shadow And Golden Kite has a great urgency, breaking out into manic episodes, while Harrington’s guitar shapes the start of Return In 100 Years, The Colors Will Be At Their Peak. This track is full of incident, becoming fractious as each instrument strives to be heard.

Does it all work?

Largely. With such an instinctive approach – and such little preparation time – it is a risk to open out the broad canvas in this way, but the musical chemistry is such that these three musicians succeed in their endeavours.

Is it recommended?

It is. There is fiercely passionate music to be heard here, and imaginative use of the colours available. Hopefully the trio will continue their musical quest, as it would be interesting to chart their ensemble work over a period of years, to see where it takes them.

For fans of… Jeff Parker ETA Quartet, Ben Monder’s Amorphae, Body / Head, 75 Dollar Bill

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Published post no.2,119 – Saturday 16 March 2024