Listen to Barry Harris
Barry Harris · 1961
39 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of intricate piano melodies and rhythmic improvisation that showcases the essence of jazz's golden era.
Top tracks — play these first
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Body and Soul — This track showcases Harris's ability to fuse classic standards with his own unique harmonic interpretations, making it a standout example of his artistry.
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I Didn't Know What Time It Was — Harris’s interpretation here highlights his intricate piano technique and emotional depth, setting a benchmark for future renditions of this classic.
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Dancing in the Dark — The lively tempo and playful interaction between piano and rhythm section demonstrate Harris’s dynamic approach to jazz performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and improvisation typical of its era, though it lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate complex harmonic structures, particularly evident in 'Body and Soul' and 'I Didn't Know What Time It Was'.
- 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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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
Significant within its genre. 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 melodic progression throughout
- intricate phrases for attentive listening
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- expressive piano moments to savor
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate musical gratification
- seek standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1961, Listen to Barry Harris was a pivotal album in Barry Harris's career, marking his emergence as a prominent figure in the jazz scene. This album followed his work with legends like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, solidifying his reputation as a skilled pianist and composer during a transformative period for jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thelonious Monk· McCoy Tyner· Cedar Walton
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Londonerry Air 4:14
- 2 Mutattra 3:17
- 3 Louise 3:47
- 4 Body and Soul 4:05
- 5 Ascension 3:54
- 6 Anachronism 4:55
- 7 I Didn't Know What Time It Was 4:58
- 8 Teenie 3:46
- 9 Sphere 4:06
- 10 Dancing in the Dark 2:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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