Just heard the sad news that Barry Harris died today. One of the all-time jazz piano greats he was also teacher and mentor to many including JinJoo Yoo recently here as part of the Tribute to Humphrey Lyttelton tour.
I only heard Barry once and that was at Pizza Express in 2013. It was a magical experience as my review of that occasion goes somewhere to portray but, words are impossible to convey the thrill of hearing him playing in a live setting.
An unforgettable moment. In a jazz life of unforgettable moments this was high on the list.
That moment will never be repeated but I have the consolation of listening to him on record with Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Frank Morgan, Cannonball and probably others if I dig deep into the archives.
How I wished that I'd spoken to him after the gig that night in Soho but the line formed on the right ...
Barry Harris was 91.
Very sadly missed.
Lance
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