Barry Harris

The best opportunities in music come from playing with the Elders. They have the knowledge and Life experiences that lead us to their doorstep. Barry was the wise man of be bop for me. I learned an enormous amount from him. What it means to be a musician; a professional who dressed out of respect for the music - @ 8:00am in the hotel lobby for breakfast with a three piece suit, tie, cufflinks and pocket handkerchief; Bud and Monk and Elmo's compositions I never heard before; the development of solos; dynamics; so much more. He was a reservoir of musical information who was always willing to spend time after a gig and talk to all the fans and musicians. I miss him very much. Especially that smile. to be continued....