Joseph James Harrison. Born in Indianapolis Indiana at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 10th, 1984. Music has been the focal point of my life since I was as young as five- both listening and playing. I began learning different instruments including piano, flute, vibes, clarinet and ultimately guitar, which I began playing in January, 1996. Since then, guitar has really become a part of me- it represents most elements of my life in some way or another. I am always looking for new ways to approach music, and the guitar seemed to present a wealth of possibilities I didn't see in other instruments. The guitar, I feel, really expresses me the best, so I continue to graciously commit to it.
I began learning about jazz in 1999, and a few years down the road I had the good fortune of receiving a lifetime worth of knowledge from Douglas Swanigan, Indianapolis jazz guitar favorite. I studied music with Doug (MIDIOT) for roughly two years and I owe much of my progress to him. Not only is he one of the greatest guitarists I've met, he is one of the best sax players I've met- that is saxophone language so to speak. In 2006 the Indianapolis star elected me "Best Upcoming Talent" in the jazz community.
I have performed at many clubs, amphitheaters, hotels and festivals as far away as the Virgin Islands. Current projects include: Bulletproof Soul, (R+B fusion) The Language, (rock) Rhythm Session, (improv/fusion) and Jahnee Redlocks and the Big fun Reggae Band (reggae).
With the guidance of wonderful musicians and research, I refining a system that can be used as a map of harmonic states. I am developing this method "The Color System" into a book along with a beginner course "InSTriMoD". In the first system "InSTriMoD", musical ideas and devices approached in order: Intervals, Scale, Triads, Modes, Diatonic 7th chords. In the second, "The Color System", we put all that linear analysis away, and replace most of the vocabulary with seven chord families which are each assigned a color. (see blog)
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