Come on Down!/The Reason Why I'm Talking S--t

Personnel: Eddie Harris (electric saxophone); Eddie Harris; Dave Crawford (piano); Donald "Duck" Dunn, Bradley Bobo (bass guitar); Paul Humphrey (drums); Ronald Muldrow (unknown instrument); Cornell Dupree, Joe Diorio, Jimmy O'Rourke (guitar); Ira Sullivan (trumpet); Odell Brown, Billy Carter (organ); Tubby Zeigler (drums); Calvin Barnes (percussion).
Recording information: Amazing Grace Night Club, Evanston, IL (1970-1975); Criteria Studios, Miami, FL (1970-1975); Howard Rumsey's Concert By The Sea, Redondo Beach, CA (1970-1975); Longhorn Restaurant Cafe, Minneapolis, MN (1970-1975); Teddy's Lounge, Milwaukee, WI (1970-1975).
Photographer: Giuseppe Pino.
Eddie Harris received a lot of critical flak in the 1970s from jazz purists for his experiments in hard-driving soul-jazz and his forays into stand-up comedy. Those jazz purists should avoid this two-disc set, which brings together a couple of Harris albums from the era. COME ON DOWN! is a sweet, groove-oriented outing featuring original compositions and some fine blowing from Harris. THE REASON I'M TALKING S**T showcases Harris as bawdy comic, riffing on extended dirty jokes while his band chimes in now and then to break up the monologues. This is by no means Charlie Parker, but it has its place.