Barry Harris Plays Barry Harris
Barry Harris · 1978
40 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant celebration of bebop, blending intricate melodies with rhythmic improvisation that showcases Harris’s piano virtuosity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Backyard — This track stands out for its intricate harmonic structure, allowing Harris to showcase his improvisational skills while maintaining a conversational interplay with the ensemble.
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Father Flanagan — The piece features a rich narrative quality, blending lyrical passages with dynamic rhythmic changes that exemplify Harris's storytelling ability through music.
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Apache — With its infectious groove and rhythmic complexity, this track captures the essence of the album’s lively spirit while highlighting Harris’s signature melodic lines.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHarris's vibrant bebop style shines through intricate melodies and improvisation, making this a solid entry in jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track features intricate piano lines that weave through complex chord changes, characteristic of bebop.
- The album maintains a brisk tempo throughout, with only slight variations in pace between tracks.
- Improvisation is prominent, with extended solos that showcase Harris's technical skill and creativity on the piano.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- intricate harmonies for detail seekers
- swinging rhythms for vibrant energy
- consistent development throughout album
Maybe skip if you
- wanting instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Barry Harris Plays Barry Harris came during a prolific period in Harris's career as he was establishing a reputation as a prominent figure in the bebop jazz scene. This album followed his earlier works and reflected his continued commitment to the genre, offering listeners a deeper insight into his original compositions and arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thelonious Monk· McCoy Tyner· Cedar Walton
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chances Go Around 4:41
- 2 Backyard 7:29
- 3 Luminescence 3:35
- 4 Even Tempered 5:24
- 5 Inca 5:22
- 6 Father Flanagan 9:03
- 7 Apache 5:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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