RIP: Barry Harris
One of jazz’ greatest pianists, and highly-revered by fans, fellow musicians, and his countless students. I was fortunate enough to see Harris and tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan put on a master class in bop at the Flight Deck (Wilmington version). It might have sounded something like this:
Harris performed on an album of duets with Frank Morgan, who became a favorite of both my wife and I. We saw Frank several times, I think the last being at Haverford. Two sympatico musicians creating ethereal beauty:
Here’s Barry unadorned, proving all he needs is a piano, and perhaps some inspiration from Monk:
Loved the Flight Deck. Top national acts in a dark, smoky club where jazz was meant to be played! But anywhere’s good.
Hard to believe some of the great musicians I saw there. Including McCoy Tyner, one of my idols. I remember being struck by how big and soft his hands were (I got the chance to shake one of them…).
I was at that show. But it would have been too dark and smoky to see you.