Winard Harper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winard Harper
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| Birth name | Hiram Winard Harper |
| Born | June 4, 1962 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Labels | Savant |
| Associated acts | Philip Harper |
Hiram Winard Harper (born June 4, 1962) is an American jazz drummer. He is known for his exciting drumming style and for leading his own music groups.
Contents
Winard Harper's Music Journey
Winard Harper started his music career in the 1980s. He played drums with many famous jazz musicians.
Early Years and Collaborations
In his early career, Winard played with jazz legends like Dexter Gordon and Johnny Griffin. He also spent four years playing with the amazing singer Betty Carter. While working with Betty Carter, he met Wycliffe Gordon. Winard and Wycliffe would later work together on many music projects.
The Harper Brothers Band
From 1988 to 1993, Winard played in a group called The Harper Brothers. He formed this band with his brother, Philip Harper, who plays the trumpet. Other talented musicians like Justin Robinson and Javon Jackson were also part of this group. The Harper Brothers became well-known in the jazz world.
Leading His Own Groups
After The Harper Brothers band ended, Winard Harper began recording his own albums. He became a band leader, creating his own music. In the early 2000s, he performed with his sextet (a group of six musicians) at famous places like Lincoln Center in New York City. He also played with Avery Sharpe in 2008. Today, Winard Harper leads his own group called Jeli Posse.
Winard Harper's Albums
Winard Harper has released several albums as a leader. He has also played drums on many albums for other artists.
Albums as a Leader
- Be Yourself (1994)
- Trap Dancer (1998)
- Winard (1999)
- A Time for the Soul (2003)
- Come into the Light (2004)
- Coexist (2012)
The Harper Brothers Albums
- Remembrance Live at the Village Vanguard (1990)
- Artistry (1991)
- You Can Hide Inside the Music (1992)
Albums as a Sideman
Winard Harper has played drums on albums for many other jazz artists. Here are some of them:
- With Ray Bryant: Ray's Tribute to His Jazz Piano Friends (1998), North of the Border (2001)
- With Betty Carter: Look What I Got! (1988), Betty Carter (1990)
- With Wycliffe Gordon: The Gospel Truth (2000), The Search (2007)
- With Etta Jones: Reverse the Charges (1992), At Last (1995)
- With David "Fathead" Newman: Under a Woodstock Moon (1996), Chillin' (1999), Keep the Spirits Singing (2001)
- With Houston Person: Why Not! (1991), The Lion and His Pride (1994)
- With Avery Sharpe: Dragon Fly (2004), Legends & Mentors (2008)
- With Billy Taylor: Urban Griot (2001), Live at IAJE New York (2002)
- With Frank Wess: Surprise, Surprise! (1998), Once Is Not Enough (2009)
- With others: Monty Alexander, Don Braden, Kenny Drew Jr., Chico Freeman, Sara Lazarus, Curtis Lundy, Herbie Mann, Carmen McRae, Mark Murphy, Tete Montoliu, Jimmy Owens, Jimmy Ponder, Janis Siegel, Harvie Swartz, Bross Townsend, Nancy Wilson, Steve Turre.
