For those unaware, Library Card is the fifth album of saxophonist and composer Stephen Philip Harvey and the debut album of his chord-less trio, SPH+2.

This release showcase six original compositions that celebrate children’s books and young adult novels and one Rodgers and Hart standard.

Stephen Philip Harvey is an African American saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator. As a musician and bandleader, Stephen has throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States. He leads his ensembles with a drive to explore a vast array of avenues in improvisation and composition.

These ensembles include his chordless trio SPH+2, his electric quintet, Sphinx, his mid-sized jazz combo, the Stephen Philip Harvey Octet (SPH8), and his large ensemble the Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra (SPHJO).

Prior to this new release, he has five full album releases under his belt: Suite Childhood (2016, Self-Released) and Smash! (2022, Next Level an imprint of Outside In Music).

His debut octet album, Elemental, which was released on Harvey’s label, Hidden Cinema Records, was talked about for the longest time and he added to this eclectic collection in late September of 2023 with his electric quintet’s eponymous release, Sphinx.

1. I Could Write a Book (feat. Max Murray)
2. Huevos Verdes (feat. Max Murray)
3. Going Places (feat. Max Murray & Jordon Stanley)
4. Son of Poseidon (feat. Jordon Stanley)
5. Lunar Lullaby (feat. Max Murray)
6. Melody at Midday
7. Let’s Go Exploring (feat. Jordon Stanley)

Released by Hidden Cinema Records, the album opens on the playfully twee I Could Write a Book and the rhythmically enchanting Huevos Verdes and then we are brought forth the perky Going Places, then some engrossing melodies form for my own personal favorite Son of Poseidon, the chordless trio continuing onward with the languishing Lunar Lullaby, the recording rounding out with the majestic, low slung Melody at Midday, closing on the upbeat and joyful Let’s Go Exploring (featuring Jordan Stanley).

Personnel:
Stephen Philip Harvey, soprano and tenor sax
Max Murray, bass
Jordon Stanley, drums

www.stephenpharvey.com