ajharp

Hailing from Philadelphia, ajharp is a combination of Adam Jenkins the singer-songwriter and "Harp" the harmonica guy, a nickname given Jenkins due to his passion for the instrument. As ajharp, Jenkins features bluesy vocals, a polyrhythmic guitar style, truly inspired harmonica playing, and a great percussion groove to support witty lyricism and intricate song composition. Live performances showcase these originals while including ajharp's take on a wide range of covers from old-timey traditionals to early 60's folk to late 60's rock to singer/songwriter 70's to late 70's rock to early 90's jam to late 90's alternative to current songwriters. With a one-of-a-kind dual harmonica stand and several percussion instruments under foot, you never know what an ajharp show will throw at you! For certain shows ajharp gains members, as well, with any combination of friends joining in on guitar, electric and acoustic mandolin, flute, Midi Wind-Controller, bass, drums and percussion, and keyboard.

Jenkins' songwriting shows influences ranging from Paul Simon and Neil Young to John Lee Hooker and Sam & Dave to The Grateful Dead and Blues Traveler. A strong flavor of the jam band genre is instilled in his live performances in the form of extended jams of both original tunes and covers. This is primarily where his unique style of harmonica playing shines. As Jenkins explains, "I love the freedom of musical expression that a live setting encourages, so I strive to capture each moment in a show to explore my music and take it to a higher level."

Originally a trumpet player for 7 years, Jenkins entered the band scene as a self-taught harmonica player. He joined several groups on harp and percussion during his high school years, the most notable being a folk trio named The Jaundice Café which performed throughout the Philadelphia suburbs. In TJC, Jenkins found his songwriting voice. He began learning the guitar to pursue his songwriting as well as to accompany his harmonica playing and follow in the footsteps of influences Bob Dylan and Neil Young. While at Amherst College, Jenkins co-founded several bands on guitar, vocals, and harmonica, while also sitting-in with numerous groups on harmonica, trumpet, and percussion. These experiences developed into ajharp, a one-man-jam incorporating all of Jenkins' musical leanings.

This depth of musical background extends into the studio, where Jenkins plays most of the instruments you'll hear while calling upon the skills and inspiration of many friends and past band mates to fill in the sound. ajharp released it's first full-length album, entitled "Eyes of a Child", in October, 2003. The project has 14 original tracks, 8 on which Jenkins is the sole instrumentalist and 6 that include one or more guest performances. The album features "fluid and innovative harmonica work", "very original use of percussion", and "several great vocal performances."

Visit ajharp's website at www.ajharp.com for recent news, dates of upcoming shows, song lyrics, mp3’s of live performances, past setlists, and more pictures. For booking and further details, contact Adam Jenkins at:

5 Morris Lane
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

610-256-2529
ajharp@jenkbiz.com