Winard Harper

Male

Jersey City, NJ

United States

Profile Information:

What instrument do you play?
Drums/Balafon
Who influenced you to listen to jazz
My family exposed me to all types of music, but the beauty, power and grace of Jazz caught my ear and my soul.
How did you find out about the WDCJN?
e-mail
My Website
http://www.winardharper.com
Official Facebook Profile
http://www.facebook.com/winardharperjazz
Where are you located?
NYC
Tell us about yourself
In the tradition of jazz giant, Art Blakey, drummer, Winard Harper keeps the original "jazz school" alive by introducing exceptional young talent to audiences in his national tours. As a veteran of the school himself, he debuted with legends such as Betty Carter, Dexter Gordon, Jackie McClean and Pharoah Sanders. "With the economy in decline, the market producing more local talent, and audiences being more susceptible to mediocrity, this is a difficult strategy to maintain", admits Harper. However, he persists, at least in part, due to something Abby Lincoln shared with him long ago. "You are standing on the shoulders of those that came before you." "So, I have to continue to hold up a standard for Jazz and endure the hardships that come along with carving a path for newer talent to carry on the tradition", he adds. "What they're learning on their own, in school, pick-up bands and local settings are just a start. The real finishing school is on the road".

Comment Wall:

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  • Jimmy Scott ~ Jeanie Scott

    Hello Winard,
    Hope you are doing well.
    All The Best,
    Jeanie Scott
    PHOTO: c. Jeanie Scott  -  Apollo Backstage  ~
    Jimmy & Jeanie Scott with Winard Harper  ~

    Apr 4, 2020

  • Jimmy Scott ~ Jeanie Scott

    That truly was "A Great Night in Harlem"!

    Apr 4, 2020

  • Kristalina Georgieva

    Good day,
    I picked interest in you after going through your short profile and demanding it is necessary for me to write to you immediately. I have something very important to discuss with you, but I found it difficult to express myself here, since it's a public site.Could you please get back to me on (kristinageorgieva480@gmail.com) for full details.
    Best regards,
    Kristalina Georgieva.

    Dec 31, 2023