Winard Harper
Harper's lifelong jazz apprenticeship has taken him around the world. It includes playing and recording with many greats, including Betty Carter, Johnny Griffin, Dr. Billy Taylor and Dexter Gordon. Influences include Jackie McClean, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Cannonball Adderley, and Billy Higgins. "Higgins had a big impact on me as a person and musician. He played with such joy. He saw jazz as spiritual and social work and walked the talk."
Those early years also instilled a strong sense of what it means to be a band. "Building something together... sharing vision, cohesion, sacrifices and growth over time... that makes a band.", says Harper.
The Baltimore native, born in 1962, got an early start with the support of his father and older brother, Danny. By age five, he was making guest appearances with Danny's band. He recalls an epiphany while listening to recordings. "I was fascinated hearing Max do the things he did with percussion of all types," he recalls. “I knew jazz was what I wanted to play.”
Winard co-founded the internationally acclaimed Harper Brothers with trumpeter sibling, Philip in the 80's. Their solo paths diverged in 1993. Winard founded his own Sextet and in 1994 recorded Be Yourself on the Epicure label, followed by six more albums. At the same time, Winard has continued to perform and record world-wide. 30 plus years of band leadership reflect an ever evolving mission to enlighten, heal and uplift.
Awards
Official Interational Association of Jazz Educators Award, 2002 Hothouse Magazine NYC Jazz Fans Award (Drummer), 2016
Gear
Regal Tips Sabian Cymbals Warlock Drums Balaphone
Tags
Album Review
- A Time For The Soul by AAJ Staff
- Come into the Light by Russ Musto
- Make It Happen by Jeff Dayton-Johnson
- Make It Happen by John Kelman
- Make It Happen by Terrell Kent Holmes
Interview
Read more articlesMarch 22, 2015
Ginny's Supper Club - April - Marc Cary, Winard Harper & More!
August 01, 2009
Drummer Winard Harper Plays Jazz Alley in Seattle Aug. 4-5
May 19, 2009
12th Annual Oris Spirit of Jazz Concert Series
September 04, 2008
Winard Harper at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC in...
April 04, 2008
Winard Harper Honors Jazz Appreciation Month with California Lineup and...
March 24, 2008
East Meets West in Jazz Drumming Legacy
December 04, 2007
Exalt Entertainment Group Selected as Drummer Winard Harper's Booking...
September 28, 2007
Winard Harper: Drummer Enjoys Catching Spirit of Jazz Great Blakey
May 07, 2007
Internet Jazz Concert Featuring the Winard Harper Sextet
October 30, 2006
“Winard Harper, however, has proven since the late ‘80s to be one of the true great bandleaders who sits behind a drum kit while pushing his ensemble to explore international sounds ranging from African to Caribbean to Afro-Cuban, all wrapped around the core of Hard Bop jazz. ” - Chicago Defender " Demetrius Patterson
“Overall, Harper’s methodology translates into a smashing success, brimming with a charismatic sound and scope, largely driven by finesse and sheer firepower.” - Ejazznews " Glenn Astarita
Primary Instrument
Drums
Location
New York City
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Winard has developed and delivered clinics, master classes and workshops for a number of settings ranging from Elementary school to post-graduate.
Clinic/Workshop Information
Having been a professional musician since the age of ten, Winard's musical career spans over thirty years of international touring, performance and recording. Numerous educational credits include regular participation with the Jazz in the Schools and Betty Carter Jazz Ahead programs at the Kennedy Center, where he is on faculty