The Barry Harris Quintet Barry Harris Live in New York documents a magical 60 minute set of music with the legendary pianist Barry Harris at his very best. Recorded live last August, Harris is featured in the simpatico company of long time associates: tenor saxophonist Charles Davis, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, bassist Paul West, and drummer Leroy Williams. The Tadd Dameron classic Casbah is the opener for this perfectly paced program which includes three original compositions by Harris, one by drummer Leroy Williams, and a unique version of Round Midnight that starts off with three introductions: one by Harris, the original by Cootie Williams, and one by Monk. 7-4-3, an example of Harris’ creative brilliance, is composed on the spot with the audience’s participation. This is a rare opportunity to hear Barry Harris in a perfect setting with his favorite musicians, and with lots of time to relax and stretch-out. Reservoir is proud to add this jazz giant to our New York Piano series. "To Dizzy With Love" "Round Midnight" "Monking Around" The Walter Booker Quintet Thelonious' and Cannonball's history-making bassist with his classic front line; Cecil Payne's earthy, mellow bari sax, Marcus Belgrave's ultra-blue trumpet, Roni Ben-Hur's soulful guitar, Larry Willis' melodic piano and Leroy William's' fiery drums: "Something for Kenny" "Pete's Rock" The El Mollenium Band - Playing the music of Elmo Hope "You gotta love a quintet of unregenerated boppers that get together to form an EL Mollenium quintet to pay homage to one of Bud Powell's most personal and neglected descendants."   Gary Giddins, Village Voice The El MOllenium Quintet: Charles Davis - tenor sax Roni Ben-Hur - guitar Bertha Hope - piano Walter Booker - bass Leroy Williams - drums Amy London - guest vocals The genius of pianist/composer/arranger Elmo Hope is clearly evident in both the recordings he made and the compositions he wrote. Robert Palmer wrote in the New York Times, "Listening to Hope, one is struck by the depth and intensity of the musics' emotional content, as well as by the harmonic ingenuity and sense of drama". During his life, Hope recorded his compositions with his trio and quintet and also on the famous sessions with Clifford Brown. Unfortunately, Hope's life was cut short at the age of 43, in 1967, but it is clearly evident that the brilliant music of this pianist, who was called by both Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell "the best piano player in the world" lives on The members of the El MOllenium quintet are some of the top jazz musicians in New York City, and all are dedicated to carrying on Hope's music. Pianist Bertha Hope was Elmo's wife for the last seven years of his life and recorded with him. During her long and respectful career, she has continued to present Elmo's music, whether on her recordings, or in the many concerts and club appearances she has given. Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is known to many for his extensive work with legendary pianist Barry Harris, as well as his performances and recordings with Etta Jones, Charles McPherson, Cecil Payne and Walter Booker among others. Tenor saxophonist Charles Davis enjoyed a long association with trumpeter Kenny Dorham, and has also worked with Billy Holiday, Elvin Jones, John Coltrane and Sun Ra among others. In addition to leading his own group, he also appears with the Barry Harris Sextet. Bassist Walter Booker has had a long and varied musical history, recording over 250 LP's and CD's and working with the like of Theloniuos Monk, Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan and Cannonball Adderley, and the list goes on. He just completed recording his first CD as a leader, also featuring Roni Ben-Hur and Leroy Williams, along with Cecil Payne, Marcus Belgrave and Larry Willis. Drummer Leroy Williams who has been working with Barry Harris for over 25 years, is also known for his recordings and performances with Sonny Sttit, Theloniuos Monk, Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie and many more. Vocalist Amy London's career spans from the Broadway stages to performing and recording with some of the top names in jazz. In addition to being part of this project, she is pursuing her solo career, and is working on her second CD. To learn more about this band, or to join our mailing list please e-mail us at Elmollenium@aol.com.