“I have such a ball in my classes, and I learn so much from my students. They probably don’t realize that I come to school here, too. I’m just the oldest member of the class. I just wish everyone could experience the blessing of learning new things all the time.” Barry Harris
This professionally produced product comprises over 4 hours of video and includes a 112-page workbook. It is the successful culmination of a two-year project to document for the first time, the legendary teachings of Barry Harris. The following areas are highlighted, each presented in a ‘clinic’ setting:
The ABC’s of the jazz vocabulary- The opening section features an in-depth examination of scales and deals with the topic of both what and how to practice. Approx. 60 mins.
Application of the above to key song forms- Presented here are methods of turning scales into unlimited sources of improvisational ideas- applied to the blues, rhythm changes, Cherokee, Indiana, and How High The Moon. Approx. 60 mins.
Movable Chords for the piano and guitar- Barry’s unique approach to chord voicing and movement is outlined here demonstrated on several standards. Approx. 45 mins.
Focus on the Rhythm Section- Here, accompaniment is addressed, along with the function and interaction of each instrument in the rhythm section. Approx. 45 mins.
Vocalizing- Key points for the vocalist including warm-ups, phrasing, breathing, improvising, and presentation are demonstrated and applied to a beautiful ballad. Approx. 45 mins.
Barry Harris in solo performance.
Howard Rees
About Barry Harris
“A list of Harris’ graduates reads like a Who’s Who of Jazz; among them are Paul Chambers, Curtis Fuller, Joe Henderson, Lonnie Hillyer, Yusef Lateef, Hugh Lawson, Kirk Lightsey, Charles McPherson, and Doug Watkins.” “Harris’ (method) is unique in both its emphasis and detail, for it teaches students precisely how to transform the (basic theoretical) elements into credible phrases and focuses as much upon the creative processes of improvisation as upon its products, effectively clarifying the relationship between theory and performance practice in the jazz tradition.” “Harris’ theory is an expansive generative method. It encourages musicians to create original phrases based, in part, on the cross-fertilization of rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic models embodied in the rules Harris promulgates.”
Excerpts from ‘Thinking in Jazz’, by Paul F. Berliner, University of Chicago Press 1994
“I guess you could say Barry Harris is one of the very last of the bebop purists that we have on piano. He is a living and brilliant extension of Bud Powell.” Walter Bishop Jr.
“I’ve always thought that if Charlie Parker had played piano, he would sound exactly like Barry Harris. Or is it the other way around? In any case, Barry’s sense of time, motion, and rhythm is absolutely impeccable.” Benny Golson
Sample Video
Table of Contents
What Others Have Said
“Barry’s Workshop Video is a valuable educational tool for anyone interested in the inner workings of modern jazz.” Kenny Burrell
“A fine workshop for striving pianists and serious students who want to play modern harmonies in the style of Charlie Parker.” Tommy Flanagan
“This package offers information that hasn’t been given before. It is a very practical and organized way of looking at chord movement applied to the areas of accompaniment, arranging and composition. An excellent orchestration tool.” Jimmy Heath
“The Barry Harris Workshop Video is an outstanding educational package which provides a wealth of material for students, teachers and musicians alike.” Jackie McLean
