Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Twelve cover

Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Twelve

Barry Harris · 1991

52 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Intimate piano improvisations blend seamlessly with vibrant rhythms, capturing a live jazz atmosphere that feels both spontaneous and deeply reflective.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cherokee — Harris's take on this challenging standard showcases his remarkable technical skill and creative improvisational flair, making it a highlight of the performance.
  • →
    It Could Happen to You — The warmth and fluidity of Harris's playing breathe new life into this familiar tune, demonstrating his ability to infuse classic jazz with personal expression.
  • →
    Parker's Mood — In this piece, Harris captures the emotional depth associated with Charlie Parker's legacy while adding his own unique interpretation, illustrating his respect for bebop origins.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album captures vibrant live improvisations with strong rhythmic interplay, appealing to jazz enthusiasts.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature intricate call-and-response sections between the piano and the rhythm section, enhancing the live feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • intimate piano improvisations throughout
  • conversational depth in performance
  • dynamic shifts in intensity
  • for late-night listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks high-energy dance tracks
  • prefers structured, predictable formats

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1991, Barry Harris had established himself as a significant figure in the jazz scene, particularly in the bebop tradition. 'Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Twelve' is part of a series of live recordings, showcasing his expert command of the piano and deep understanding of jazz standards. This album further solidified his reputation as an important educator and performer within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Thelonious Monk· McCoy Tyner· Cedar Walton

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 It Could Happen to You 8:37
  • 2 All God's Chillun Got Rhythm 4:38
  • 3 She 6:35
  • 4 Cherokee 4:06
  • 5 Gone Again 4:34
  • 6 Lucky Day 4:30
  • 7 It Never Entered My Mind Meet the Flintstones/I Love Lucy 3:21
  • 8 Would You Like to Take a Walk? 8:28
  • 9 I'll Keep Loving You 4:40
  • 10 Parker's Mood 2:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata