Harrison Jazz Ensemble - ProfilesArchive

About Me

I've been playing piano since I was nine. My father introduced me to the instrument. Since it was a choice between music and tap dancing (which I was no good at and hated with a passion) I chose music.
I continued with private lessons and formal music education in college studying and performing classical, jazz and American popular music.
Since arriving in LA I've been busy as a bandleader, singer and composer. I've done several recording dates with the band and one of my songs "Mystery" was featured in a HBO movie.
I'm now pretty busy performing at private parties, restaurants and hotels. My most recent CD is "Jazz Club, Open Late". Three of the songs on this site, "Mystery", "Equinox" and "Softly" are from that collection. Check out some other samples at the below link.If you decide to get it, do review it and let me know what you think. Your input is valuable!
Here's a review from a recent customer... "This CD is an example of true artistry. Each track is unique in it's own right, yet the entire CD has a nice flow and continuity. It is rare that music can have such a relaxing quality, yet show great emotion at the same time. The solo piano track at the end was absolutely exquisite. I'd like to put the whole CD on a loop and let it play on and on and on!!!" --Katrina Saroyan

My next project will be a CD of jazz standards. I'll sing on this project and will include other talented artists. I'll cover a lot of the Great American Songbook. Those songs are great and I love singing them!.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/6/2006
Band Website: Brand New!!! harrisonjazzensemble.com
Band Members: As the band leader, I employ a wide variety of LA's most talented musicians.

I like to find out what a client needs and then provide the exact players that will deliver the service that is expected. This will sometimes include special requests. While we are a jazz band, we can play in other styles if this is needed. Sometimes a client just wants to hear "Wasted Away Again in Margaritaville"!

I love to work with different band configurations. I probably most enjoy the classic bass, piano and drum set up, but have worked with vibe, tenor and piano, or piano, sax and bass. Each different set of musicians can spark a different creative vibe.

It's fun to be creative and to work with lots of talented people!
Influences: John Coltrane

Miles Davis

Chick Corea

Monk

Bill Evans

Duke Ellington

Sounds Like: I would say that my style of music has been influenced by lots of folks. Principally there's Chick, Herbie, Monk, Bill Evans, Trane, Cannonball, Jimmy Smith....actually all of these artists and more have affected me and I'm sure influenced my playing.

The thing about jazz and all really great musicians is that while they are influenced by others, they strive to find their own voice. That's my goal and I'm striving for this constantly.

I think that if you really dial in to who you really are and play THAT then you will really communicate and then you move up the line as an artist.

Recently on a cruise ship I was playing in a room and a passenger came into the room and told me that she knew it was me playing before she saw me because she recognized my vibe. This is the goal of a pro.Check out the band website for more samples and other special features. Members only free downloads are on the way so do register!
Record Label: BMF Productions
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Tips For Success

Hi to All,I recently found a great link for an excellent free booklet on goal setting. This is a must for all serious artists. Here's the link http://www.tipsforsuccess.org/goals-link.htm. Check it...
Posted by Harrison Jazz Ensemble on Sun, 03 Sep 2006 01:17:00 PST

It's You That's Ugly!

A while back I was playing at a nursing home. In the corner was a very old woman, probably close to 100. Her lucidity would come in and out, although mostly in. She asked me a couple of questions a...
Posted by Harrison Jazz Ensemble on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:17:00 PST