Harper Brothers Discography of CDs

Harper Brothers music CDs The debut CD from the Harper Brothers helped give fuel to the Young Lions movement and the revival of hard bop. In addition to some straight-ahead originals, the briefly popular group performs Lee Morgan's "Mogie," a pair of Reuben Brown songs, "Portrait of Jennie," and "Easy to Love." Drummer Winard Harper and trumpeter Philip Harper (who would improve in later years) are joined in the derivative but swinging group by altoist Justin Robinson, pianist Stephen Scott, and bassist Michael Bowie. Recommended for hard bop fans. ~ Scott Yanow

Harper Brothers discography This set by the Harper Brothers is a bit unusual in that the hard bop unit finds itself often in the position of being a backup group to singer Ernie Andrews, who takes five spirited vocals. Although the Harper Brothers gained quite a bit of publicity during their existence, their lack of originality held them back artistically. Altoist Justin Robinson and Walter Blanding on tenor both display run-of-the-mill tones on this date while trumpeter Philip Harper often falls into the trap of trying to imitate Lee Morgan's swagger but without his range. Drummer Winard Harper, the strongest member of the group, always did his best to push the band but on the CD the best instrumental is actually a trio rendition of pianist Ray Gallon's "That's the Question." In addition to ...

Harper Brothers songs For their second major release, the Harper Brothers -- led by Philip (trumpet) and Winard (drums) -- serve up the estimable live album Remembrance from the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City. The album is dedicated to the brothers' recently departed father and their grandfather, and the title cut is one of its very best tracks. Written by older brother Danny Harper, it's a midtempo swinger presented with reverential passion and signed with committed solos, especially those of Justin Robinson (tenor) and Philip Harper. Other highlights include the lively horn interplay and notable contributions of Winard Harper on "CB," Stephen Scott's piano work on the cover of Horace ...

Harper Brothers CD discography During 1988-1992, the Harper Brothers were one of the leading Young Lions groups in jazz, younger musicians playing within the style of hard bop as typified by the 1960s recordings on Blue Note. The third of the Harper Brothers' four recordings is very much in the tradition, and much of the time sounds very much like 1965 or the early-'60s Jazz Messengers. Philip Harper's style mixes together aspects of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, Javon Jackson could almost pass for Joe Henderson, and the rhythm section is laid-back, soulful, supportive, and swinging. The originals are in the hard bop style (with "J.W." influenced by "Giant Steps"), and even "Yes ...

Harper Brothers CD discography Etta Jones and Houston Person always made for a potent team. Jones, like Big Joe Turner, had the knack for turning everything into a blues even when the chord changes were radically different, and Person's bluesy tenor egged her on to some of her finest singing. On Reverse the Charges, the repertoire includes such non-blues songs as "Ma, He's Making Eyes At Me," "Undecided" and "P.S. I Love You," but Jones' soulful delivery made each song sound like a logical part of her repertoire. She is joined by an all-star lineup that includes the Harper Brothers and pianist Benny Green. This out of print CD is well worth searching ...