Feel the Groove
Explore Gene Harris's Extraordinary Musical Legacy
Gene Harris: A Jazz Icon
Dive into the life of Gene Harris, a groundbreaking pianist whose soulful melodies shaped the sound of jazz for decades.
Signature Albums
Discover Gene Harris's essential albums that highlight his distinctive style and musical evolution. Experience the essence of Bay Area jazz through his rich discography.
Listen to Gene
Experience the vibrancy of Gene Harris's performances with recordings from legendary live concerts, capturing the energy and spontaneity of his craft.
Jazz Influences on Harris
Learn about the key artists and genres that influenced Gene Harris's unique sound and compositional style throughout his career.
Jazz Masterclasses
Join exclusive workshops and classes focusing on Gene's techniques and improvisational skills, tailored for aspiring Bay Area jazz musicians.
Harris's Lasting Legacy
Explore how Gene Harris's contributions to jazz continue to inspire new generations of musicians across the Bay Area and beyond.
Gene Harris: In His Hands
Released in 1997, In His Hands is one of pianist Gene Harris's most heartfelt and personal recordings. Long celebrated for his soulful touch and blues-infused swing, Harris fulfills a lifelong dream by blending jazz, gospel, and blues into an uplifting collection of spirituals and inspirational songs. Joined by his longtime quartet, organist Jack McDuff, his daughter Niki Haris, and several guest vocalists, Harris brings warmth, joy, and deep conviction to performances of classics such as Amazing Grace, Lean on Me, and (He's Got the) Whole World in His Hands. The result is a moving and exuberant album that reflects both Harris's extraordinary musicianship and his enduring faith.
My Personal Favorite: Everything Must Change
In His Hands
Lean on Me (Withers)
Battle Hymn of the Republic (Howe / Steffe)
Will the Circle Be Unbroken (Traditional)
Everything Must Change (Ighner)
Amazing Grace (Newton)
Lord, I've Tried (Brewster)
Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross (Crosby / Doane)
This Little Light of Mine (Nix)
Operator (Spivey)
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Gabriel / Martin)
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands (Love)
Grandpa's Hands (Harris)
Personnel
Bass – Luther Hughes
Drums – Paul Humphrey
Engineer, Mixed By – Phil Edwards
Guitar – Ron Escheté
Organ – Jack McDuff*
Percussion [Tambourine, Shaker] – Gregg Field
Piano, Arranged By – Gene Harris
Producer – John Burk
Vocals – Cherie Buckner, Curtis Stigers, Niki Haris, Pastor Ralph E. Beechum
Where do I go after In His Hands?
1. Black and Blue (1991)
One of Harris's finest late-career recordings, featuring blues, gospel, and straight-ahead jazz in equal measure.
Why you'll love it: The same soulful, joyous piano style that shines throughout In His Hands.
2. Tribute to Count Basie (1988)
A heartfelt salute to one of Harris's biggest influences.
Why you'll love it: Swinging grooves, blues-infused piano, and a deep sense of musical tradition.
3. Listen Here! (1989)
A lively and accessible recording that helped reintroduce Harris to a new generation of jazz fans.
Why you'll love it: Infectious swing, memorable melodies, and Harris's unmistakable touch.
4. At Last (1990)
A superb collection of standards and ballads showcasing Harris's expressive and lyrical side.
Why you'll love it: If your favorite moments on In His Hands are the reflective and spiritual passages, this album is a perfect companion.
5. The Three Sounds Live at the Living Room
A classic recording from Harris's celebrated trio, The Three Sounds.
Why you'll love it: The roots of Harris's soulful style are on full display, with plenty of blues and groove.