Eddie Harris - Exodus To Jazz+Mighty Like A Rose (1997)

This release brings together two significant periods in Eddie Harris’s creative output, combining “Exodus to Jazz” and “Mighty Like a Rose” into a unified listening experience that highlights his versatility as a tenor saxophonist and composer. Harris is widely recognized for blending hard bop traditions with soul jazz grooves and early fusion experimentation, and this compilation reflects that hybrid identity clearly. The opening interpretation of “Exodus” became one of his signature works, defined by its catchy melodic hook and accessible jazz approach, which helped introduce jazz to a broader audience. Across the set, Harris moves between blues-inflected improvisation, lyrical ballads, and rhythmically driven compositions supported by a tight ensemble featuring piano, guitar, bass, and drums. The music maintains a balance between structured arrangements and improvisational freedom, showcasing both technical skill and emotional expression. This collection stands as an essential portrait of Harris’s early artistic breakthrough and evolving jazz language.

Tracklist:
1. Exodus
2. Alicia
3. Gone Home
4. A.T.C.
5. A.M. Blues
6. Little Girl Blue
7. Velocity
8. W.P.
9. My Buddy
10. Willow Weep for Me
11. Spartacus
12. Mighty Like a Rose
13. God Bless the Child
14. Sally T.
15. Fontessa
16. There Is No Time