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About Me

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Myspace Comments | Myspace Graphics | Myspace Surveys RODERICK HARPERChicago Sun-Times writer Lloyd Sachs states that he is, “a smooth and serious singer.” Baton Rouge Morning Advocate writer Rod Dreher calls him, “a very special talent.” Jazztimes Magazine proclaims, “he is an able convert to jazz, when Jon Hendricks invited him on stage for a round of Thelonius Monk’s ‘Rhythmaning.’”He was born the only child of Dr’s. Ronald and Geraldine Harper, July 20, 1966. Roderick has been singing almost as long as he has been speaking. Other than his voice, the first musical instruments he learned to play were the violin and trombone, in Elementary School. In Middle School and High School he picked up the clarinet and guitar. “The first jazz record I actually purchased was Wynton Marsalis’ “Think Of One.” “It scared me and made me curious at the same time, because I had never heard anything like that before.” “The record caused me to take a second look and listen to my father’s record collection.” “I was hooked!” His first formal jazz training came from Sarah Vaughn’s accompanist, John Malachi. He matriculated at Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he majored in Political Science and minored in Jazz Studies. In addition to being in almost every single talent show in the area, becoming a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. (a Professional Music Fraternity), he performed in the Southern University Collegians (Stage Band) and the Southern University Jazz Ensemble (under the direction of Jazz Clarinetist Alvin Batiste). “I learned so much during my time performing in the Jazz Ensemble!” He studied 3+ years of classical voice in order to develop a better understanding of his instrument. During his formative years he studied and was involved in musical theatre. He had roles in, “Pippin”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “The Wiz”.Roderick is a native of Washington, D.C. In school, he formed and was part of numerous jazz groups. One of those groups was Alvin Batiste and the Jazzstranauts. This afforded him the opportunity to come to the attention of jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis. With the recommendation of Batiste, Roderick was invited to sing with Marsalis anytime. This led him to land a featured spot in the Ellis Marsalis Quartet.Being under the experienced hand of Marsalis brought about many opportunities for Roderick to perform with the likes of Jon Hendricks of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Betty Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, Joe Sample, Danny Barker, Kent Jordan, Mark Whitfield, Joe Lavano, Bobby Watson, Marcus Roberts, Cyrus Chestnut, Nicholas Payton, Wessel Anderson, James Carter, The Harper Brothers, Stephen Scott, Brian Blade, Max Roach, Terence Blanchard, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and many others.

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Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime
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My Blog

Hard Trials Purify

Life is full of ups and downs.  We do not always understand the hand that we are dealt sometimes.  We have to remember that we control our own universe.  I have to remember that, pray o...
Posted by on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:21:00 GMT

Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson

My heart is heavy.  My dear friend Wess, a Jazz Saxophonist is recovering from a stroke.  He needs all our prayers.
Posted by on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:11:00 GMT

Alvin Batiste

My heart is heavy.  I was sadden be the news of one of my musical mentors passing.  Mr. Alvin Batiste.  He was a major influence on me desiring to be a jazz vocalist.  I learned so...
Posted by on Wed, 09 May 2007 11:38:00 GMT

New Project

I have begun the slow process of creating and searching for new material for my next c.d.
Posted by on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 08:25:00 GMT

Movie Project

I just recorded a song for a new movie coming out at the end of the year call "Black Out."  It was a great experience.  The last movie project I did was "Soul Of The Game."  I am defini...
Posted by on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:15:00 GMT