The fact is, I couldn’t think of a good angle on which to write my contribution to this month’s issue of 21st Century Swing Magazine. Call it writer’s block, or just plain laziness. Nothing I could think of struck me worthy enough as to commit my fingers to the keyboard. That was before I turned on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and saw that Jon Stewart’s guest on the show was none other than Harry Connick Jr. At first I thought he was on to promote a soon to be released movie in which he was starring. But, to my surprise, he was there to talk about his new album. Even though I am a big Harry Connick Jr. fan, I was admittedly apprehensive about the news of this new record.

I bought the last three records that Harry had released after, what I consider to be, his masterpiece, . And needless to say, I was a might disappointed in these efforts. The first release, She, was an attempt at what I can only classify as a cross between rock and jazz. While the album contained a few catchy tunes, they seemed to be overshadowed by Harry’s artsy-fartsy contributions. At times, he seemed to be delving into the type of creativity that John Lennon felt the need to include on the Beatles’ White Album with Revolution 9; an effort, by the way, resented by most Beatle fans. Now, when this album was released, I did go see Harry in concert. He performed songs only from this album and none of his big band numbers. While I was disappointed by this, I enjoyed myself nonetheless. The show had a lot of energy and it was, by no means, boring. Still, the album and the concert did leave me longing for the big band tunes that made him a star.

Harry’s next release, Star Turtle, I’m sorry to say, is hardly worth mentioning. It seemed to be a continuation of She, with a musical style that isn’t easy to classify in one category. With this album, as well as with She, it appeared as though Harry Connick Jr. didn’t know whether he wanted to be a rock star, or if he wanted to create a funkier version of modern jazz. Again, while the effort of trying to expand his musical horizons was admirable, it made the days of Blue Light, Red Light and We Are In Love, that much more attractive.

To See You, Connick’s next album, was definitely a relief. It was a return to his crooning style of vocals. It was also all original material, putting to rest any doubts that Harry couldn’t write the type of material with which millions had fallen in love. Unfortunately, all the songs on the album are very mellow and not at all ideal for swinging. They are, however, very romantic and the album itself is a definite welcome return to a style of music for which Harry seemed to be born.

I went into my local music store to buy a copy of Come by Me, his newest album. His past works, I must say, made me a little nervous that this record would be more of the same. But when I saw the little sticker on the cover of the CD that said, "The Return of Big Band", I was oh so joyous. I immediately ripped off the wrapper and inserted it into the CD player in my car. The moment was spoiled, though, by the clerks from the store who told me I would have to pay for the CD. In all the excitement, I guess I skimmed over that part of the retailer-customer relationship. But after that little episode was over, I was on my merry way, listening to a much anticipated return to the music that made me into a Harry Connick Jr. fan. With original compositions like, Nowhere With Love and of course, Come By Me as well as magnificent covers such as "Change Partners" and "There’s No Business Like Show Business", I was in big band heaven. Even the cover, with Harry in a suit and tie, snapping his fingers and swinging his hips, told me that the Harry Connick Jr. we all know and love has come back.

It goes without saying that I greatly enjoyed the new record and I definitely recommend it to anyone who shares my taste in music. I certainly hope this is just one of many big band albums that are soon to come from one of my favorite artists. As I said before, it’s admirable when an artist experiments with other versions of their art. Then again, when something is so perfect, why mess with it?

Welcome Back Harry! We Missed You!