by Ryan Randall Goble
The Har-You Percussion Group's self-titled album stands as a testament to how exciting and profound music education can be for kids. Imagine creating this album as your homework assignment? That's just what these eleven 16-19-year-old boys did under the guidance of Jamaican-born percussionist Montegro Joe. Latin, Cuban, jazz and blues influences combine to create their boogie-down melting pot of rhythm that keeps the feet moving. Tracks like &Welcome to the Party& and &Feed Me Good& are exciting dance numbers. In contrast, &Outa-train& is an impressive tribute to Coltrane featuring Nelson Sanamiago on alto sax. This is a rare album where a musical informs its powerful sounds.