There was once a time when jazz was untouched by the leaven of rock music; those days are gone, as these two wonderful time capsules testify.
Pianist Barry Harris was one of the many artists to come out of the fertile Detroit music scene of the 50s. He’s caught here in two environs; the first is a quintet of wondrous bop material, and the second is a casual solo date, both from the Kennedy years of 1961. The quintet of Charles McPherson/as, Lonnie Hillyer/tp, Ernie Farrow/b and Clifford Jarvis/dr snap and sizzle through Harris compositions such as “Mucho Dinero” and “Make Haste,” while jazz standards like “Anthropology” are putty in the hands of Bird-inspired McPherson. The solo session exposes the wondrous and warm hands of Harris, caressing the ivories on “I Didn’t Know What Time it Was” and “Body and Soul” as well as his own well crafted pieces such as “Mutattra” and “Sphere.” Digits that were destined for greatness are exposed here.
Guitarist Billy Bean is best known for his work with fellow six stringer John Pisano, but for a short while in 1961 and on he lead a drumless trio with Hal Gaylor/b and Walter Norris/p. Jazz aficionados of guitarists have been looking high and low for this session, and for good reason. The interplay and smooth swing on material like Carl Perkins’ “Groove Yard” as well as a nice bluesy “Land’s End” dig into your viscera. Subtle dexterity abounds, as on “Scramble” and on a lithe and suave “All of You.” This one is going to be on your play list for a LONG time!
Fresh Sound Records