Future-facing. Fearless. Fusing tradition with tomorrow. British saxophonist and composer J Michael Harris returns to set the bar for neo-jazz innovation with his hotly anticipated full-length album, Light The Sky – and the global jazz community can already feel the aftershocks.
Harris, celebrated for his sophisticated improvisation and genre-blending artistry, made waves with his debut EP, Departure. This time, he explodes expectations with a visionary new project that boldly weds electronica’s sleek groove to the timeless heartbeat of jazz. Think Herbie Hancock meets Aphex Twin on a cosmic highway, with elements of Robert Glasper’s harmonic flair and a pulse inspired by J Dilla’s unmistakable beat.
The magic behind Light The Sky doesn’t end with Harris’ virtuosity. The album enlists an all-star international line-up, yielding a fresh yet rooted sound. Drummer and electronics maestro Freddy Sheed (Lewis Capaldi, The 1975), legendary bassist Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), keyboard and soul icon Mo Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire), in-demand percussionist Karlos Edwards (Mark Ronson, Nitin Sawhney), and celebrated trumpeter Henry Collins (Amy Winehouse) all lend their considerable talent to the mix. Together, they forge a sound that stretches jazz’s boundaries without losing its core spirit.
Each track is a Harris original, and his multi-instrumental skills shine as he flows between saxophone, Fender Rhodes, synths, EWI, and even flute and clarinet. The final polish comes courtesy of Guy Massey – renowned for his work with The Beatles and Kylie Minogue – whose mixing and mastering brings clarity and punch to every searing solo and digital whisper.
Born in Leicester and now thriving in London, Harris has always defied genre boundaries. His musical journey has taken him everywhere from Berklee College of Music’s hallowed halls to stages with Quincy Jones, Nile Rodgers, Prince Buster, and Eddie Henderson. The influences of Weather Report, Miles Davis, and Paul Simon echo throughout his work, but Harris’ distinct voice continues to evolve – and Light The Sky is his boldest statement yet.
In an era where jazz is continually reinventing itself, J Michael Harris lights the path forward. For fans of progressive sounds, lyrical improvisation, and fearless composition, this is the record you didn’t know you needed. Light The Sky isn’t just an album – it’s an invitation to the next chapter of jazz.
