supersonic
Artist Information
Biography
The Background:
Derrick Harris is a nationally distributed artist and has sold over 15,000 CD’s. On his last project he worked with 2 time Grammy Award winning producer Rob Burrel. In 2003, apart from his original material, Derrick worked with various recording artists on a tribute to Brian Wilson.
Derrick grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where he was named performing artist of the year. Growing up in Alabama, Derrick was heavily influenced by Gospel music, Motown, and R&B. Derrick has recently moved from his home of many years and is currently residing in the Washington DC area. His latest project is a collection of artists from various backgrounds and styles. Derrick brought the talents of Blues Bassist, Jonathan Steele; former reggae guitarist Rich Schafer; Jazz drummer “Bubbles” Dean (that’s what it says on his license). Collectively they have shared the stage with such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Burning Spear, Steele Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Wide Spread Panic, Louise Mandrell, Tommy Dorsey, Johnny Lang, Stanley Jordan, Buddy Rich, Winton Marsalis, Phil Keaggy, Phil Driscol, Sixpence, Bad Manners, Blood Sweat and Tears, Fish Bone, John Chipolina, David Lindley, Taj Mahal, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Iron Butterfly, the Wailers, BoDeans and others.
Derrick’s music is written from the heart about real-life experiences and people he has met. The sound is original and real. On occasion Derrick has blended his music with unique sounds and original instruments including a remake of Rapper's Delight played on a vintage 1980's Speak-n-Spell.
Derrick and the band are currently in the studio working on their latest project tentatively titled "Why". Due to be released next year.
The Purpose:
It is more than the music… Derrick has a heart for helping others and having a real impact, not just talking about it. Derrick has been connected with a small community in Central America after traveling to the country of Belize. He has become friends with a Belizean pastor who moved his family from a life of comfort in Northern Belize to dedicate his life to a very poor town on the Guatemalan border. It is a community made up of wondeful people who find happiness outside of material blessing. Life can be very tough there, but their hope is vibrant and contagious.
Derrick has spent the past few summer years helping Pastor Ku in his dream of building a school for the children of Santa Elena and to give them a safe place to learn and study. Thankfully, Pastor Ku has successfully completed a preschool and kindergarten. Pastor Ku has been successful in his efforts and has now acquired a larger parcel of land through support, in hopes of expanding his dream to build an elementary, middle and high school. Derrick is working side by side with the Belizeans in support of this community.
Derrick feels led to use his music for a purpose and to make an impact. His efforts start here at home working with youth and under privileged kids. He also has a passion to support cancer research. A portion of all proceeds from performances go to these and other efforts. Collectively, the band members are also working in other communities in Cuba, the inner city of Washington DC and working to support others in India and Romania.
You can join in our efforts and our passion, as we look to give hope one note at a time. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the music… and experience the hope.
Instrumentation
Derrick Harris-acoustic guitars and vocals
Band optional
Bubbles Dean-Drums
Jon Steele-Bass
Rich Schafer-Electric Guitar
Discography
3 On The Left
Derrick's newest release. Once again, Derrick recruited the talents of 2-time Grammy award winner Rob Burrell to engineer, mix, and produce the album. He brought his live band in the studio with him this time to capture some of that "live energy" on tape. This album is characterized by energy and great songwriting.
released 2004
I'm Not Leaving
Derrick's debut album which was licensed by independent label Silent Planet Records. Derrick recruited the production talents of Grammy Award Winner Rob Burrell for this Folk/Pop/Rock Album. Rob has worked with well-known artists like Michael W. Smith, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir to name a few. It contains many heart-felt ballads as well as feel good rock tunes. Listeners should find this album lyrically insightful as well as musically uplifting.
released 2002, Silent Planet Records
Making God Smile: An Artists' Tribute to the Songs of Beach Boy Brian Wilson
Derrick was asked to do a version of Brian Wilson's "Don't Worry Baby" for this Silent Planet Records Tribute CD. He is accompanied on this CD by such artists as Sixpence None the Richer, Phil Keaggy, and Kevin Maxx. It has currently sold over 5,000 units.
Derrick Harris/Don't Worry Baby
released 2002, Silent Planet Records
Beat
Derrick's demo of a song entitled Cup of Life appears on this Silent Planet Records compilation CD.
Cup of Life
released 2001, Silent Planet Records
The Low-Budget Project
This is Derrick's first solo independent project. It is a combination of songs recorded in his room and unreleased WFD tracks. It was originally intended to be a gift to his close friends at Auburn University, but through word of mouth it has ended up selling close to 2,000 copies to date.
released 1999
Official Website
Video
Press
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NARAS
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Hes the best thing since sliced bread. To see him drive the fans crazy from stage was like watching ...
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Paste Music
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This artist really delivers with powerful songs and an incredible voice that is reminiscent of Five ...
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ASCAP
Im really, really diggin this music. -- Dan Keen, VP ASCAP, Nashville
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Rick and Bubba Show
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I think the kid is a great songwriter, and has a great voice, and sounds like hes a great musician t...
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Unsigned Music Magazine
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"Musically this CD does a great job of bringing the listener into it's space...." -- "I think De...
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1340mag.com
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Derricks lyrics are in fact very smart. This could easily be a book of poetry; its not pretentious i...
Setlist
I typically play a 1-2hr set at clubs, consisting of mostly original music coupled with covers ranging from Motown Hits to Bruce Hornsby's That's Just the Way It Is. My sets are usually broken up into two 10 song sets.
