I Need Some Money

by Richard S. GinellNo longer content to hide his voice behind a horn and an amp, Eddie Harris finally steps out as a singer in the first of a series of humorous hard-luck songs that would be the flagships of his next few LPs (one reason for this move, perhaps, was the title of this album, but his vocals didn't produce any hits). Harris also fools with an electronic rhythm machine and electronic horn attachments that practically turn his sax into a synthesizer. In any case, the thing he still does best here is ride a groove, the best of which is the extremely danceable "Get on Down," complete with Leon Thomas-like yodeling and a percussive vocal from the erstwhile sax master. "Carnival" also develops a head of steam when it starts to evoke a street celebration. There are indications, though, that Harris' repertoire of funk sax licks is beginning to run a bit thin.