Search - Barry Harris :: Chasin Bird

Early Barry Harris at His Best

Jean-pierre Coursodon | 04/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Barry Harris is consistantly inventive and swinging in this wonderful 1962 recording with a fine accompaniment by Bob Cranshaw and Clifford Jarvis, who listen to the pianist well. From the title track, which comes first, Harris sounds great on a well-tuned and well-recorded instrument. Stating "Chasin' the Bird" he plays the melody with one hand and the countermelody with the other, a wonderful effect. Bud Powell's influence is felt througout but Harris doesn't sound like a mere imitator. His version of "The Breeze and I" is reminiscent of "Un Poco Loco" and his very fast "Indiana" inevitably recalls Powell's own while "Just as Though You Were There" is in the mood and spirit of Powell's "I'll Keep on Loving You"... Three interesting originals by Barry and fine versions of "Round Midnight" and "The Way You Look Tonight" complete this excellent recording."