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Jason Harnell

Jason Harnell is a world-renowned jazz drummer, educator, composer and bandleader whose unmistakable sound and style, as well as his boundless creativity and enthusiasm have made him a major contributor to the Southern California jazz scene for over twenty five years. Coming from a musical family, Jason was practically born with drum sticks in his hands and started playing at age six when close family friend and legendary drummer, Louie Bellson gave Jason his first drum set.    Jason is consistently creative and swinging whether playing straight ahead jazz or free explorations. He has performed, recorded and toured with many of the world's top jazz musicians including Larry Goldings, Ben Monder, Mark Turner, Dave Douglas, Adam Benjamin, Theo Bleckmen, Steve Cardenas, Alan Ferber, Rick Margitza, Kate McGarry, Matt Otto, Alan Pasqua, Joe Bagg, Bob Sheppard, Walter Smith III, Ben Wendel and Maynard Ferguson. Jason is also a member of the long established Los Angeles Jazz Quartet featuring Larry Koonse, Chuck Manning and Darek Oles.  

In 2017, Jason launched his most ambitious and creative endeavor to date, the Jason Harnell Solo Drum Experience. Jason's solo drum concerts are consistently sold out, multi media events that tantalize the senses and explore rhythm, sight and sound in a completely unique and personal way. Jason's first solo album, "TOTAL HARNAGE" was released in 2019 on Fboo Records and has been called by critics, “other worldly,” “ground breaking” and “awe-inspiring.”   Jason is also one of the most in demand drum set educators in his field and is on faculty at University California Irvine, (2004-present) Cal State University Northridge (2019-present) and Musicians Institute in Hollywood (2005-present) and has performed clinics, workshops and master classes all over the world. Recently, Jason has appeared as a guest lecturer/clinician at such fine institutions as Cornell University, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), University Nevada/Reno, University of Kansas, Morehead University/Kentucky, University California Los Angeles (UCLA), University Southern California (USC) and Cal State University Northridge (CSUN).    Jason proudly plays and endorses Yamaha Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads and Vic Firth Drumsticks.

Tags

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Los Angeles

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Jason has over 35 years of teaching experience and is one of the most in demand drum set educators in his field. Jason is currently on Faculty at University California Irvine, (2004-present) and Cal State University Northridge/CSUN (2019-present).Jason has performed as a guest lecturer at CalArts, Cornell University, USC, UCLA, UNR, Saddleback College, Kansas University, Morehead University/Kentucky and Cuesta College. Throughout his career, Jason has performed clinics, workshops & master classes literally all over the world.

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Photos

Albums

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Total Harnage

fBoo Music
2019

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Live at Jazz nad Odra

Self Produced
2019

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Sigmund Fudge

Los Angeles Jazz Collective Records
2016

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GO SHLOMO!

fBoo Records
2014

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Midsole - JoE-LeSs...

Self Produced
2014

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Events - 3ish

Self Produced
2013

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Videos

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