Album Mini-review: Brett Harris — Up in the Air
File next to: Chris Stamey, Emitt Rhodes, Pete Yorn
You can learn a lot about a musician by studying the company he keeps. Durham NC-based Brett Harris has been a key component of Chris Stamey’s “Big Star 3rd” concerts, and The dB’s have enlisted him as utility musician/vocalist. His set was a highlight of the 2013 Hopscotch Festival, but he’s taken his time to get this, his second album, right. But associations only get one so far; a listen to the warm and inviting Up in the Air reveals a young – yet seasoned – songwriter who’s musically wise beyond his years. The disc’s clean, straightforward production showcases Harris’ strong, tuneful melodies. The chiming “End of the Rope” is as winning as anything on Big Star‘s first two discs, and a helluva lot sunnier than their third. Up in the Air will have lovers of classic pop reaching for the “repeat” button. (Watch for my interview with Brett Harris, coming soon to Musoscribe.)
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.