Winard Harper Sextet
Gig Seeker Pro

Winard Harper Sextet

Farmington, Michigan, United States | INDIE

Farmington, Michigan, United States | INDIE
Band Jazz Jam

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Exquisitely blended"

"exquisitely blended ensemble colors" - The Chicago Tribune


"Pleasing"

"...as pleasing and entertaining to watch, as he is to hear" - Jazz Times


"Raising the Dead"

"Winard Harper's wonderfully orchestrated solos alone might have forced a corpse to grin!" - The Washington Post


"Never Disappointing"

"Always a profound experience, catch Harper the next time he's in town, or if you are on the road, look for him on tour, and you will never be disappointed." - Jazz Times


"Solid Musicianship"

"Along with their emphasis on entertainment values, good times, flash and swing, they have solid music to offer." - Chicago Sun Times


"Sparks Listeners"

"... engaging performance and positive spirit sparks listeners." - The Star Ledger


Discography

Make it Happen - Piadrum Records, August, 2006
Come into the Light - Savant, 2004
A Time for the Soul - Savant, 2003
Faith - Savant, 2000
Winard - Savant, 1999
Trap Dancer - Savant, 1998
Be Yourself - Epicure, 1994

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Many people know Winard Harper as the hard bopping heir apparent to a revered succession of Jazz drumming royalty. Of course, that's understandable with a long string of acclaimed recordings and world-wide performances to his well seasoned credit. The pleasant surprise for many is his incredibly broad appeal outside of the Jazz genre and traditional Jazz audiences.

The Winard Harper Sextet, formed over ten years ago, offers an infectiously joyful and uplifting blend of musical influences that move body, mind and soul. From the scathingly chic dual horn infusion to the rhythmically alluring authentic African percussion to the jaw droppingly skillful drumming, it leaves no stone unturned it the exploration of musical ecstacy. In turn, audiences respond by raising their hands, lifting their voices, getting on their feet and connecting with the music.

The group's vitality, passion and appeal are guided by Winard's vision and beliefs regarding music's role in making the world a better place. He steers from the drums with incredible deftness while giving free reign to the brilliance and inspiration in each player and staying tuned to the vibe of the listeners. With a uniquely versatile repertoire of standards and originals, ranging from Blues to Jazz to Funk influenced, these musicians handily dispense with genre labels and invites audiences to just enjoy good music.

Winard Harper, Piadrum recording artist, is one of the foremost drummers in music today. Although you can still catch him performing in all star bands with his high profile contemporaries. His newest CD, Make It Happen, goes further than any of his previous six releases to highlight his talent as drummer, composer and bandleader while exploring a range of musical influences. Not only is the band's global air play increasing, but they regularly appear at festivals and venues nation-wide. The response has been nothing short of remarkable. But then again, so is Winard Harper.