The Kevin Harris All-Stars is a collection of some of the world's greatest musicians of any genre. The all-stars play Jazzy, Funkin' Soul!!, We bring it. Featuring legendary saxophonist, Donald Harrison, drummer Mike Clark, bassist, Richie goods, Guitarist, Ronny Drayton and keyboard extraordinaire, Mark Berman. other members have included guitarist, Ben Butler, percussionist Jacquelene Acevedo and saxophonist Alex Foster. Look for us soon at a theatre or event near you and continue to support live music. Bio Actor, Singer, Writer, Producer and Vocal Coach to the Stars, Kevin Harris has distinguished himself as one of the most versatile singers in music. Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Legit Broadway, Negro Spirituals, Funk or R&B. Kevin has mastered them all over a 35 years career. His list of artists he's worked with is a "Who's Who" of legendary Musicians. Born in New York and raised in San Jose in the Bay Area, Kevin forged many close relationships and played with members of The Doobie Brothers , Loading Zone, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, The Legendary Headhunters, John Handy, Flora Purim and Airto as well as top Bay Area groups , Joy Of Cooking, Manteca, which was a combo group of Mandrill and Azteca, members of Tower Of Power and Graham Central Station.
His Jazz influences came from studying and working with Eddie Jefferson, Jon Hendricks, Esther Phillips, Rodney Franklin, Flora Purim, Art Blakey, Cedar Walton, Johnny Hartman, John Handy and many more helped earn Kevin a respected reputation.
Kevin has recorded with John Handy, Michael White, Cornelius Bumpus, Cedar Walton, Donald Harrison, Mike Kissel, Drew Zingg, Rodney Franklin, Babatunde' as well as his own band Tout Le Monde, to name a few. As a bandleader with TOUT LE MONDE and The Kevin Harris All Stars, Kevin initiated the weekly music jams at the Legendary China Club and Decade which was featured every Monday night on Q104.3, bringing him the moniker, "Mr. Monday Night". A Who's Who graced these Stages under Kevin's tenure. The Four Tops, David Sanborn, Elliot Randall, Julian Lennon,Buddy Miles, Paul Shaffer, Will Lee, Stanley Jordan, Carlos Alomar, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Gavin DeGraw, Branford Marsalis just to name a few.
Kevin has also been an award winning actor. Having been seen in Streets of San Francisco, Desperately Seeking Susan, A Doctor's Story, A Christmas Without Snow, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Beat Street and more. Received The TOR award for Best supporting actor Off - Broadway in The Holy Junkie.
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IN 2010 Kevin was diagnosed with Stage III Throat/neck Cancer. While undergoing a debilitating treatment of radiation and Chemotherapy, Kevin used his talents as a vocal coach honed from working with Earl Jones, Johnny Mathis' teacher from San Francisco St University. Vocal coaching thru Jive/RCA/Sony records, Kevin worked with R. Kelly, Miguel and Semi-finalist for the Voice, Michaela Page and Grammy nominated producer, Carlos McKinney, Gavin DeGraw and many more. This enabled him to maintain his instrument while imparting his experience, strength and hope on Singers and recording artists. It is with this determination and vision That Kevin assembled this collection of All Star musicians in his return to Prominence. I present to you. The ALL STARS!
Donald Harrison
DONALD HARRISON, Kevin's Close Personal Friend and music partner, brings his deep roots as "Big Chief" of The Black Mardi Gras Indians and his unquestionable legacy to the All Stars. The creator of Nouveau Swing, Donald has performed with some of the most illustrious and distinguished musicians in Jazz, Funk, R&B Classical and more. Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Lena Horne, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Billy Cobham, The Headhunters, Miles Davis and many, many more. In addition, he appeared as himself and co-wrote the soundtrack for Jonathan Demme's, Rachel's Getting Married and aspects of Harrison's life are chronicled in HBO's Treme' where he appears as himself in nine episodes. He brings all this and more which makes him truly a KEVIN HARRIS ALL-STAR.
Mike Clark
Mike Clark gained worldwide recognition as the legendary Jazz and Funk drummer while playing with Herbie Hancock's group and THE HEADHUNTERS in the early 1970'S. Mike has performed with Jazz greats, Chet baker, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau and many more. Called the most sampled Drummer in Hip-Hop, Mike's beats have been used on tracks by musicians as diverse as NWA, Grand Master Flash, Britney Spears and Prince. Mike has also performed with many of the All-Stars in his band and the HEADHUNTERS. Mike brings his inimitable presence, and musicianship to this great ensemble of All-Stars.
Richie Goods
Richie Goods- Youngest person ever inducted into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame. Goods has made a name for himself recording and touring with Jazz and popular artists ranging from Louis Hayes, Cannonball Adderly Legacy, Milt Jackson, Lenny White, The world famous HEADHUNTERS, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Chris Botti.
Ronny Drayton
Ronny Drayton is one of the world's leading guitarists having recorded and played with many of the top artists in music. his discography and resume' lists Roy Ayers, Labelle, Robert Palmer, Edwin Birdsong, Nona Hendryx, The Chamber brothers, Tony Williams and Freddie Jackson to name a few. Ronny is also a devoted Father and tireless social activist. he stood by his son fighting for his freedom after being falsely imprisoned. His dedication to and ultimate victory over tyranny is a testament to his Love of truth and the Love of a father for his son.
Ben Butler
BEN BUTLER, ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE GUITARISTS AROUND. HIS TALENTS HAVE BEEN UTILIZED BY GEORGE MICHAEL, ANNIE LENNOX, STEVIE WONDER, BONO AND THE EDGE, HERBIE HANCOCK, CHRIS BOTTI AND MANY, MANY MORE.
Mark Berman
Mark Berman is a veteran of the Kevin Harris All-Stars, as well as it's sister band Tout Le Monde. Mark has performed with Aretha Franklin, Blood Sweat and Tears, Gladys Knight, Hugh Jackman, Ben E. King and many, many more. On Broadway he has Conducted RENT, Smokey Joe's Cafe' and Blood Brothers. His Piano/Keyboard playing can be heard on the ubiquitous theme of the HBO series "SEX AND THE CITY". In 2007 Mark released HIS Debut album, The Genesis Project, to widespread acclaim.
Brian Charette
Grammy nominated, Hammond organist, Brian Charette has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. He has worked with many notable artists such as Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Lou Donaldson, and countless others. Since moving to New York in 1995 from his native Meriden, Connecticut, Charette has become an integral part of the New York City jazz scene. Show less
