Biography Winard Harper

Winard Harper (b. June 4, 1962, Baltimore) is an American jazz drummer, composer and bandleader.

He and his current hard swinging band, Jeli Posse definitely have something to say. He shares, "When I was coming up, we learned the responsibility to heal and enlighten, not just how to play, This music comes with a social obligation". Harper continues the apprenticeship with today's up and comers with uplifting results.

Harper's own 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. His influences include Jackie McClean, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Cannonball Adderley, and Billy Higgins, Those pivotal years had a lasting impact on his approach to playing music and leading bands. "When musicians share a bandstand, that's one thing. When they share the vision, cohesion, sacrifices and growth to remain a band, that comes through", says Harper.

The Baltimore native, born in 1962, got an early start with the help 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 then I had to play Jazz.”

Winard co-founded the internationally acclaimed Harper Brothers with trumpeter sibling, Philip in the 80's. Their paths diverged in 1993. In 1994 Winard's sextet recorded Be Yourself on the Epicure label and continues to record and perform nationally and internationally.

In later years, the spiritual and musical philosophies of Billy Higgins greatly inspired his personal and professional direction. "Higgins always played with such joy. He did a lot of work in community building and walked the talk. What I learned through his life had a huge impact on mine."

Harper's band leaderhship has spanned 30 plus years. The latest iteration in Jeli Posse reflects an evolving practice of jazz as social work.

Instrumentation

Roy Assaf - Piano

Alioune Faye - Percussion

Winard Harper - Drums

Bruce Harris - Trumpet

Michael Dease - Trombone

Noah Jackson - Bass

Jonathan Beshay - Saxophone

Jazzmeia Horn - Vocals

Discography

CoExist - Jazz Legacy Productions, 2012

Make it Happen - Piadrum Records, 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

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