Philip Harper Quartet – Jazz in New York

PHILIP HARPER (Baltimore, 1965) started playing trumpet when he was ten years old under tutorage of his older brother, Danny. Later he studied at Hartt School of Music with Jackie McLean. At the age of 18 Philip moved to New York, where he started working and recording extensively, with such musicians as “Little” Jimmy Scott, Jimmy McGriff, Betty Carter, Etta Jones, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Bill Cosby and Cedar Walton. Between the years 1986 and 1988 he was a member of Art Blakey´s Jazz Messengers, with whom he made several live recordings. After leaving the Messengers he formed a group with his brother, drummer Winard Harper. The Harper Brothers toured throughout the world and made several successful albums for Polygram/Verve. Philip Harper has made over 50 recordings, both as leader – his solo albums “Soulful Sin” and “The Thirteenth Moon” on Muse Records – and as a sideman, which has earned him number one position on numerous jazz play lists and critic polls. In the past years Philip has been living in Europe as well as in the USA, playing with Benny Golson, Cedar Walton and the Mingus Bigband. With the latter he is currently touring the globe. ` Raphael Silverman is a rising star on the guitar. Born in NYC, his natural ability became apparent when he first picked up the guitar at age 13. Guided by a sharp ear and an informed taste, he sought out the mentorship of legendary guitarist Bobby Broom, whose guidance launched Raphael's playing to the next level of musicality and harmonic sophistication. Now 24 years old and a recent graduate of Columbia University, he is already playing and touring with Jazz greats. He plays in the bands of two legendary former Art Blakey Jazz Messengers, Philip Harper and Johnny O’Neal. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats like Eric Alexander, Johnny O'Neal, Rodney Green, Philip Harper, Akiko Tsuruga, Winard Harper, and many others. He leads his trio, the Raphael Silverman Trio, playing at renowned venues like Smalls, Mezzrow, Minton’s Playhouse, Ornithology, Jazz Forum, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and more. Raphael has won an award from Downbeat Magazine and the Jarek Śmietana International Jazz Guitar Competition. His music honors the roots of jazz while charting new directions. Pianist Maki Nientao, a native New Yorker born in Harlem and raised in Washington Heights, has been surrounded by music from an early age, taking his first piano lessons with his grandfather. Known for his touch, sensitive accompaniment, and flexibility, his artistry is defined by both a deep respect for roots as well as a love for creativity and spontaneity. Nientao is a rising star on the New York City jazz scene, performing regularly at venues like Smalls, Mezzrow, Ornithology, Dizzy’s Club, Cellar Dog, Jazz Forum, and others. Internationally, he has performed in the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, as well as at venues in London and Cape Town. He is a member of the Philip Harper Quintet, the Carlos Abadie Quintet, and ESSENCE, a trio with Jason Clotter and Willie Bowman. Maki has also performed with Winard Harper, Stacy Dillard, Johnny O’Neal, Rodney Green, and many more. Nientao works as a teaching artist with Jazz Power Initiative and as a DJ on WKCR. Bio: Jason Clotter, a bassist from Puerto Cortes Honduras has currently resides in the mecca of Jazz in New York City. During his early years migrating from Honduras to New York City, he has studied the double bass at age 17. Jason was invited to The Ceila Cruz Bronx High school of music to Study the Double Bass. He has grown tremendously since he started playing the double bass in high school. Jason has taken part in many prestiges programs and organizations such as Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, Manhattan school of music Pre College Program. Jason has shared the stage with numerous great artists such as Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra ,Samara Joy, Kenny Garrett, Ravi Coltrane, Wycliffe Gordon, David Hazeltine and many more. Jason has performed and toured all around the world in many prestiges venues around the world such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Carnegie Hall, Blue Note, Ronnie Scotts and Jason has performed many Jazz festival all around the world. Jason was had the Privilege to Study with Two Masterful Bassist Ron Carter and Nat Reeves. Jason is also sponsored by Legendary String Company Labella strings. Jason’s main object is to bring great music around the world and will continue! This artist does not have a bio yet.