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Barry Harris At The Jazz Workshop | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s subject is one of my favorite albums from the library. Barry Harris at The Jazz Workshop (Riverside RLP 326/RLP 1177) is a 1960 live date capturing the pianist in performance with two-thirds of Cannonball Adderley Quintet’s rhythm section, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. It was his debut on the label and his second release as a leader. My copy is the 1976 Riverside Original Recording Series Japanese Stereo reissue (SMJ-6123) by Victor Musical Industries. The album opener, Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby by Louis Jordan and Billy Austin, begins with the trio cruising comfortably in the melody. Barry swings easily into the opening solo; then Sam enhances the appeal of the song’s lyrics in a splendid performance before Barry reappears to end the song softly.

Up next is Curtain Call, the first of three tunes by Barry Harris. After the trio states the theme, the pianist takes off for a speedy ride in the opening statement. Louis comes in next to have a short conversation with Harris leading to the closing chorus. The ensemble infuses Star Eyes by Gene de Paul and Don Raye with an infectious Latin-flavored melody and ending theme. In between them, Barry illustrates his melodic ideas efficiently while Sam and Louis collaborate tastefully in support. Charlie Parker’s Moose The Mooche begins with the trio’s easy-going theme. Harris sets the mood with a cheerful opening solo. Jones takes over for some leisurely walking, and Hayes puts his best foot forward in an exchange with Harris preceding the song’s climax.

Side Two gets underway with Lolita, a pretty song by Barry Harris with a toe-tapping tempo that gives the pianist the spotlight for the song’s only solo. Barry offers a smartly paced performance with exquisite accompaniment by Sam and Louis preceding a gorgeous finale. Morning Coffee, the leader’s third original, is what many of us drink to begin our day. Hayes introduces this tune, segueing into the ensemble’s lively melody. Harris kicks off the solos with an enjoyable romp; Sam contributes to the fun in the second reading. Louis sparkles in an exchange with Harris ahead of the exit. Don’t Blame Me by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields is a ballad highlight for Barry, who gives a sensuously beautiful performance supplemented by the gentle accompaniment of Sam and Louis, leading to a gorgeous ending.

Woody ‘n’ You by Dizzy Gillespie takes off briskly from the trio’s melody. Harris gets busy immediately on the opening statement; next, Jones takes an enthusiastic walk with the bass. Hayes gets the last word and heightens the group’s energy in a vigorous exchange with Harris before the conclusion and appreciative applause from the club crowd.

Orrin Keepnews produced Barry Harris at The Jazz Workshop, and Wally Heider was the recording engineer. Victor Musical Industries has done an excellent job remastering this reissue. The sound quality is gorgeous, transporting the listener to the club among the audience. If you’re a fan of Barry Harris or enjoy a good jazz trio, I highly recommend checking out Barry Harris at The Jazz Workshop the next time you’re out vinyl shopping. It’s a superb concert recording by one of the best pianists in jazz and is worthy of a spot in your library!

~ Don’t Blame Me, Star Eyes, Woody ‘n’ You – Source: Discogs.com ~ Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby, Moose The Mooche – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter

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