Singer, songwriter, actor, film and television writer, director, producer!   Who can fill all those roles effectively and come out on Birdland’s stage with a powerful, soaring voice that reaches the Heavens?  SAM HARRIS!  Casual in jeans and Superman T-shirt, this grand champion of the premiere season of Star Search is joyous and by all means FREE. After recording several CDs and selling multi-millions of copies, Sam likes to call his new album a record – a record of his experiences, a collection of being Free (ad title song of the new CD).

Most songs on this record were written by Harris alone or with his long time friend and Musical Director Todd Schroeder. Much of the CD was recorded only after a few hours sleep, many songs on one take. Why? Because Sam is the proud papa of Cooper Atticus/Harris-Jacobsen, now 4 months old, who has taken over the life, breathe, heart, soul and world of Sam Harris and his long time partner Danny. He is giddy and overcome with joy in his role as parent and that is what drives the passion and expressive feelings that pour out on every song from this pop-rock wunderkind.

”Anchor of Love” (Harris/Schroeder) a rock ballad filled with momentous lyrics must be a hymn to Cooper Atticus as is “When You Appear” (Harris/Schroeder), where Harris soars brilliantly as he takes flight at the wonder and thrill when he is with his new son. “I Love You More” (music/lyric Kevin Fisher) is a highlight of one-upmanship and “He Is” (Schroeder/Sullivan/Harris) is one of Sam’s most important songs, a male love song, sung with guitar (William Rottman playing) and bongos.  Sam says he can write and sing these songs because “I am free; show biz is a prison.”   “Before You Go” (Harris/Schroeder) is a tear jerker about people who are parting and trying for one more chance. It is presented with simplicity and a reality that touches the soul.  

His Obama campaign theme song, “Change Is on the Way,” was sung to a track with band and back-up singers. On “War on War,” a political hallelujah, he was joined by guest artist, soul singer Maya Azucena. Some Harris insights shared along the way include “up-tempo songs are tragedy with a beat.”

Harris has had an outstanding career, including Broadway as a Drama Desk nominee in Grease; a Tony, Outer Critic’s Circle, Drama Desk Nominations for Cy Coleman’s The Life, and also appeared in The Producers.

Sam Harris is a volatile, electrifying performer who reaches deep into the mind and core of his being to extract the provocative and exuberant. To quote him - “life is good. . . I like my life . . . it’s a good time to be me!"

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
July 30, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org