Barry Harris Jazz Workshop 1 & 2

AudioZ Exclusive | MP4 + PDF| 3.54 GB
“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.”

From ‘Thinking in Jazz’, by Paul F. Berliner, University of Chicago Press 1994

Barry Harris Jazz Workshop 1


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 Jazz Workshop 2


As in all of his creative pursuits, Barry’s quest to develop, expand and share this part of his work is tireless. Almost ten years after the completion of our original “Workshop Video”, it made sense to document a new wealth of information and nuance in a second volume.
Shot in a “clinic setting”, this beautifully filmed session is approximately 4 hours, 15 minutes in length and features great overhead views of Barry at the piano. The accompanying 156 page workbook includes a transcription of all the musical examples.

The Barry Harris Workshop Video Part 2 highlights the following three chapters:

“Improvisation”

Intended for instrumentalists and vocalists, this 1st session presents Barry’s latest thoughts on chord and scale relationships; feeling the rhythm of a line; scale practice including expanded “Extra Note Rules”; how to apply “extra notes” to any scale or grouping of notes; the use of surrounding notes; developing “turnbacks”; in-depth line building work on “rhythm changes” – and more.

“The Rhythm Section”

This session is vital for all rhythm section players and stresses the importance of using “upbeats” as they apply to each instrument; “feeling 6″ while playing in 4/4; the usefulness of playing small chords voicings; Barry’s voicings for the Blues, “rhythm changes” and more.

“Harmony”

Long awaited, this session gets right to the heart of Barry’s unique harmonic system. Detailing “sixth diminished” chord theory, chord movement and putting together effective voicings, this section is highlighted by Barry’s performance of “I Should Care”, (complete with harmonic analysis), featuring great overhead camera shots.

Piano and guitar transcriptions are included.