Guide to Barry Harris: Bebop Pianist and Jazz Educator

Introduction

Barry Harris was a jazz pianist, educator, and Detroit native who played with some of the greatest jazz musicians of his era, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Coleman Hawkins, and Cannonball Adderley. He was a giant of jazz piano who kept the flame of bebop alive through his work as an educator.

Jazz History

• Barry Harris was part of the bebop movement, which emerged in the 1940s and emphasized complex chord progressions and improvisation.
• He was heavily influenced by the music of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Bud Powell.
• Harris was a central figure in the Detroit jazz scene, which produced many great musicians, including Elvin Jones, Kenny Burrell, and Tommy Flanagan.

Album Recommendations

• "Listen to Barry Harris Solo Piano" (1985) - showcases Harris' virtuosic piano playing and includes bebop standards like "Ornithology" and "Anthropology."
• "Live in Tokyo" (1976) - features Harris leading a quartet through a set of bebop classics, including "Confirmation" and "Scrapple from the Apple."
• "Barry Harris at the Jazz Workshop" (1960) - captures Harris' trio in full swing, performing bebop tunes like "Ow!" and "Bean and the Boys."

Song Recommendations

• "Nascimento" - a beautiful ballad written by Harris that showcases his lyrical playing and compositional skills.
• "Bebop" - a classic bebop tune written by Harris that features intricate chord changes and a swinging melody.
• "Lolita" - a lesser-known Harris original that highlights his bluesy side and features a catchy, singable melody.

Ideas

• Harris was known for his "bebop scale," which is a unique way of approaching improvisation in the bebop style.
• He also emphasized the importance of understanding harmony and chord progressions in his teaching, which is evident in his playing.
• Harris believed that jazz was an art form that should be studied and appreciated for its complexity and beauty.