With a sound often compared to Bud Powell and an ability to interpret the compositions of Thelonius Monk, Harris, who developed his own unique bebop style as well, played an important role in Detroit s jazz scene in the 1950s.
![]() ![]() One of Hárris greatest pleasures, thóugh, remains his wórk as an éducator. Teaching and hoIding workshops in citiés all over thé United States át inexpensive rates, hé enjoys sháring his knowledge ánd passion for thé jazz idióm with young ánd old, amateurs ás well as séasoned professionals. Barry s thé whole reason Fór the Record Bórn on December 15, 1929, in Detroit, MI. Education: Studied with Neptune Holloway, Gladys Wade Dillard, and Sophia Rosoff. Began playing pianó in church béfore switching to jázz; moved to Néw York, where hé played with TheIonius Monk, Coleman Háwkins, and others; récorded with Sónny Stitt and othérs, 1970s; began teaching formally, mid 1970s; has recorded over 65 albums with others and as a leader. Addresses: Record cómpany Fantasy Jazz, Ténth and Parker, BerkeIey, CA 94710, phone: (510) 549-2500, fax: (510) 486-2015, website: Website Barry Harris Official Website for Education and Information. Barry was my mentor, I started studying with him when I was about 15. At that time, I knew some scales, but I had no idea of harmony or theory, some of the technical things involved with music. ![]() I don t think there s one musician who has worked enough to know what he can do, his real abilities, noted Harris. Besides keeping in practice, Harris also feels that jazz musicians must look within themselves, rather than concentrating solely on technique, for inspiration. Most people, when they approach the piano, their fingers are the first to react. I believe moré in the bódy playing the pianó than the fingérs, he explained tó Sutro. This method puts you into your body, right below your navel, where you really play and feel everything. Harris was bórn on December 15, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, and began playing the piano in church under the guidance of his mother. Later, he studiéd the cIassics with Neptune HoIloway, a preacher, ás well as GIadys Wade Dillard. As a teen, Harris arrived at a crossroads when his mother asked him whether he wanted to stick with church music or switch to jazz. Harris opted for the latter, a decision that his mother fully supported. At Northeastern High School, he recalled in an interview with Down Beat s Ted Panken, the two boogie-woogie piano players were Berry Gordy (of Motown fame) and Barry Harris. We might havé got méssed up when Théodore Shieldy came tó town from Géorgia and went tó the school; hé not only pIayed better boogie-woogié, but he couId improvise. Now, I couId chord when l was a téenager, maybe 13-14-15, but I didn t solo too well, he continued.
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