Barry Harris: The Spirit of Bebop

"Barry Harris: The Spirit of Bebop" is a vibrant exploration of the life and works of Barry Harris, a well-known pianist and prominent figure in the Bebop movement of jazz in the 1950s and '60s. Passionately narrated by Ira Gitler, a respected jazz historian and journalist, the movie combines musical performances, in-depth interviews, and history lessons to create a full portrait of Harris's impact on the musical world.

The movie introduces viewers to Harris's roots in Detroit, Michigan, where he was born in 1929. It was there that he developed his love for music under the tutelage of local musicians who nurtured his natural talent. The documentary then moves on to his move to New York City in the early 1960s, where he fully immersed himself in the Bebop revolution, a style of jazz characterized by fast tempo, complex harmonies, and improvisation.

Jazz critic Ira Gitler, who has written about jazz for over 50 years, meticulously narrates the rise of Harris to the pinnacle of the jazz scene. Gitler's dialogue is flavored with a rich understanding of the era and an admiration for Harris's contributions to the music industry. The movie also showcases live performances by Harris, rich in complexity and vivacity, effectively demonstrating his virtuosity and the distinct style of Bebop jazz.

Throughout the documentary, rare footage of Harris's performances are pieced together with reflections from the maestro himself, making it an intimate look into not just the musician, but the man behind the music. Affectionate recounts of his mentors and fellow musicians like Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell are testament to his journey and growth in the field.

The documentary doesn't cease with narrating Harris's history, instead it provides a panoramic view of the Bebop era, and the dawning of modern jazz. Gitler's narrative gives the audience a crash course in jazz history, essentially providing the political, cultural, and social context surrounding the emergence and development of Bebop. This makes the movie a source of valuable information, not just on Harris, but also a particular era of jazz itself.

"Barry Harris: The Spirit of Bebop" also sheds light on Harris's teaching career. Known for his commitment to jazz education, Harris started the Jazz Cultural Theatre, a school for aspiring musicians in New York in the 1980s. Here, he shared his knowledge and love for the genre with the next generation, ensuring that the spirit of Bebop stayed alive. Episodes from these teaching sessions, as well as testimonials from students depict Harris's passion for teaching and how he used his depth of knowledge and experience to groom a host of musicians, protecting the legacy of Bebop for future generations.

The latter part of the documentary brings Harris into the contemporary times, focusing on his life past the zenith of Bebop. This provides a holistic view of Harris as it paints a picture of a man who has lived through the whirlwind of stardom but remains grounded by his love for music. Additionally, it touches upon the influence and relevance of Bebop in the modern-edged jazz of today, showcasing how the spirit of this pioneering genre still lingers on.

What makes "Barry Harris: The Spirit of Bebop" stand out is the seamless blend of history, performance, and biography. It isn't just about a man or his music, but the entire cultural movement that he was a part of and the lasting effect that it had on the world of music. It is a deeply informative and entertaining film, proving to be a must-watch for anyone interested in jazz, its history, and one of its brightest stars - Barry Harris.