Vicissitudes
Barry Harris · 1975
39 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of intricate jazz harmonies and soulful improvisations that showcases Barry Harris's virtuosity on the piano.
Top tracks — play these first
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Vicissitudes — The title track opens the album with a captivating mix of rhythmic complexity and lyrical melodies, setting the tone for Harris's unique style.
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Now and Then — This track features lush harmonies and intricate phrasing, showcasing Harris's ability to weave emotional depth into his improvisation.
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Donna Lee — A reinterpretation of the classic tune, Harris infuses it with fresh energy through rapid-fire runs and playful interactions with the rhythm section.
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Sweet Sewanee Blues — This piece stands out for its bluesy undertones and heartfelt expression, highlighting Harris's roots in traditional jazz while pushing creative boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album displays strong compositions and skilled improvisation, though it lacks a cohesive narrative across its tracks.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate piano lines that often weave in and out of syncopated rhythms, creating a dynamic interplay between melody and harmony.
- Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore variations on the main themes.
- The use of complex chord progressions is prevalent throughout, particularly in tracks like 'Donna Lee' and 'Shaw 'Nuff', which highlight jazz standards.
- 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
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 mid-tempo progression
- intricate melodies for deep listening
- immersive experience with improvisation
- reflective moments of emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1975, Vicissitudes is Barry Harris's first album after a series of influential collaborations with jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. At this point in his career, Harris was establishing himself as a prominent pianist and composer within the hard bop and bebop scenes, marking a significant step in his artistic journey.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thelonious Monk· McCoy Tyner· Cedar Walton
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Now and Then
The bridge shifts unexpectedly into a minor key, creating a moment of tension before resolving back into a major feel.
This harmonic shift not only alters the emotional landscape of the song but also emphasizes Harris's skillful manipulation of tension and release.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Vicissitudes 4:12
- 2 Now and Then 5:07
- 3 Sweet Sewanee Blues 5:10
- 4 Donna Lee 5:50
- 5 Renaissance 3:48
- 6 And So I Love You 4:11
- 7 With a Grain of Salt 3:19
- 8 If I Loved You 4:47
- 9 Shaw 'Nuff 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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