Little Gifts is the holiday EP release of emerging saxophonist, composer, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey. This EP’s namesake is the original ballad included in the track listing that celebrates the little gifts of the holiday season: family, friends, and the fuzzy feeling you get when you spend time with the people you love.
The EP features three familiar holiday tunes in three different formats performed by chord-less trio. From mixed meter backbeat, contemporary waltz, and second line, this EP reimagines these tunes; adding both levity and gravity to opportune vehicles for improvisation. With a lighthearted air and open instrumentation, this collections acts as a solid entry for both seasonal holiday jazz listeners and avid jazz fans.
Little Gifts is Harvey’s debut trio release, furthering his ensemble formats under his leadership. This release comes as his trio, SPH+2, is set to release their debut LP in March of 2024. The ensemble features Harvey on tenor & soprano saxophones, Max Murray on bass, and Jordon Stanley on drums.
Little Gifts will be preceded by a promotional single, “Jingle Bells” which will be released on November 3, 2023.
credits
released November 24, 2023
Stephen Philip Harvey, soprano and tenor saxophone
Max Murray, bass
Jordon Stanley, drums
Track 1 written by James Pierpont , arr. by Stephen Philip Harvey | Track 2 written by Stephen Philip Harvey and published by SPHarvey Music (ASCAP) | Track 3 written by John Henry Hopkins, arr. by Stephen Philip Harvey | Track 4 is a traditional arranged by Stephen Philip Harvey | Produced by Stephen Philip Harvey | Recorded August 14-15, 2023
Recorded by Shea Springer at Sweetfoot Studios
Mixed Mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording
Album Art by Allison Levato at SoLevato Design
Photography by Mollie Crowe at Little Blackbird Photo
Released by Hidden Cinema Records on November 24, 2023
Stephen Philip Harvey is a saxophonist and composer based on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. His dynamic voice can be heard in his myriad of ensembles ranging from big band down to trio.
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