For the Moment (album)
Barry Harris · 1985
77 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of bebop and post-bop, showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic improvisations.
Top tracks — play these first
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To Monk With Love — This track epitomizes Harris's admiration for Monk, blending intricate harmonies with playful rhythms that capture Monk's spirit. It's a standout tribute that showcases Harris's virtuosic piano skills.
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Monk Medley (Reflections, Light Blue, Well You Needn't, Rhythm-A-Ning) — The medley offers a masterclass in interpretation, seamlessly weaving together some of Monk's most beloved pieces while allowing each section to shine individually. It highlights Harris's deep understanding of Monk's musical language.
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I Love Lucy — This lively opener sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and playful swing. It demonstrates Harris's ability to blend humor with musical sophistication right from the start.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends intricate melodies with dynamic improvisation, reflecting Harris's homage to Monk while maintaining its own identity.
What we noticed
- The 'Monk Medley' consists of four distinct pieces seamlessly woven together, highlighting the improvisational skills of the ensemble.
- Several tracks utilize call-and-response techniques between the piano and horns, creating dynamic interplay throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- playful improvisation with vibrant energy
- wave-like pacing for dynamic shifts
- for reflective evening listening
- engaging piano mastery throughout
- exploratory sessions with peaks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1985, Barry Harris was already an established figure in jazz, known for his work as a pianist and educator. 'For the Moment' followed his earlier works and embodying his deep respect for Thelonious Monk, which he had explored throughout his career. This album represents a continuation of his artistic journey, emphasizing both technical prowess and emotional depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thelonious Monk· McCoy Tyner· Cedar Walton
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Love Lucy 5:56
- 2 My Heart Stood Still 5:59
- 3 Bean and the Boys 4:43
- 4 To Monk With Love 5:50
- 5 For the Moment 2:55
- 6 Chico the Man 7:09
- 7 Monk Medley (Reflections, Light Blue, Well You Needn't, Rhythm-A-Ning) 8:31
- 8 Shaw Nuff 7:35
- 9 7-9-3-4-0 5:02
- 10 Save Some for Later 6:15
- 11 Looking Glass 6:21
- 12 To Monk With Love 5:03
- 13 One More Blues 6:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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