Harris Simon Group's 1980 Swish and New York Connection

Harris Simon was a keyboardist, arranger, and composer who made two stunning records in that year of 1980.  His other output is sparse, sadly.  For me this is jazz at its finest with a great deal of invention, uncompromising u-turns into fusion and classical music, but held together into one comprehensive package of earthly delights.  As well the presence of luminaries such as Billy Cobham, Michael Brecker, and Joe Farrell, couldn't really hurt, right.

From NYC, the magical track Loufiana:





The tenderness of the flute here (Farrell) reminds me so much of the Euro-fusion masters from Poland, France, the Scandinavian countries (Finnforest, the early Björn J:son Lindh, not to mention the Pethman just posted this summer).  Even more impressive is the development of the song compositionally, which is utterly unique.

Equally so is the track called Midday Dreams, from Swish:





Perhaps a bit too easy listening for y'all?  So many years after having forgotten that maligned style, can we not resuscitate it a bit?  I loved it then and I still love it now...

Many thanks to my friend for introducing me to this magnificent artist.