Barry Harris - Live in Tokyo

2016 reissue

with Sam Jones and Leroy Williams

All of pianist Barry Harris' Xanadu records of the 1970s are gems, featuring the bop master in particularly inspired form. Many of the Xanadu artists toured Japan in 1976, resulting in several records, including Harris' Live in Tokyo. Harris performs twelve numbers including lengthy explorations of "Like Someone in Love" and "Night in Tunisia," plus two versions of "Ornithology" in a trio with bassist Sam Jones and drummer Leroy Williams. Two other songs ("Groovin' High" and "Blue 'N' Boogie") find the trio joined by altoist Charles McPherson and guitarist Jimmy Raney. Although not containing any real surprises, this swinging, straight-ahead music is quite enjoyable.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow