01 Jun
Live In New York by Barry Harris
- Written by Mark Keresman
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One of the Bebop Godfathers, a pianist of the Detroit Dynasty, Mr. Barry Harris is still very much with us, alive, kicking, etc. - and while time has mellowed his attack somewhat, Harris has lost none of his ability as a keeper of the mainstream bebop flame. Fusion, Third Stream, modality, the avant-garde - to listen to Harris, it’s like they never happened, but within the parameters of the style, he’s still one of the best, purest bebop pianists around. Here, in a live context he and a crack-shot quintet stretches out on a half-dozen originals and bebop standards (Monk’s "’Round Midnight" and Tadd Dameron’s "Casbah") - it’s state-the-theme and go-to-town time, context wise, but again, if that’s what you’re looking for, this is top-drawer stuff. Charles Davis’ tenor evokes T. Monk’s right-hand man Charles Rouse, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur’s playing has a pleasantly burred sound to it (a la Kenny Burrell), and Leroy Williams’ drumming is crisp and brisk. The recording quality is bright and clear, though you might have to turn the bass up a touch to hear bassist Paul West. Live is a hour of nirvana for hardcore boppers, for sure, you dig?
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Barry Harris
- CD Title: Live In New York
- Genre: Straight-Ahead / Classic
- Year Released: 2003
- Record Label: Reservoir Music
- Musicians: Barry Harris, leader, composer, piano. Charles Davis, tenor saxophone. Roni Ben-Hur, guitar. Pau West, bass. Leroy Williams, drums.
- Label Website: http://www.reservoirmusic.com
- Rating: Three Stars
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Straight-Ahead / Classic - CD Reviews
