Winard Harper


Hiram Winard Harper is an American jazz drummer.

Career

Harper played in the 1980s with Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, and with Betty Carter for four years. While working with Carter he met Wycliffe Gordon, with whom Harper would collaborate repeatedly.
From 1988 to 1993 he worked with his brother, trumpeter Philip Harper, in the group The Harper Brothers, alongside Justin Robinson, Javon Jackson, Walter Blanding, Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Stephen Scott, Kevin Hays, Michael Bowie, and Nedra Wheeler.
After the dissolution of the Harper brothers, Winard recorded several albums as a leader. In the early 2000s he worked with his sextet and performed at Lincoln Center in New York City. He played with Avery Sharpe in 2008. He leads the group Jeli Posse.

Discography

As leader

Be Yourself Trap Dancer Winard A Time for the Soul Come into the Light Coexist
The Harper BrothersRemembrance Live at the Village Vanguard Artistry
  • ''You Can Hide Inside the Music''

As sideman

With Ray BryantRay's Tribute to His Jazz Piano Friends North of the Border Godfather
With Betty CarterLook What I Got! Betty Carter Betty Carter's Finest Hour
With Wycliffe GordonThe Gospel Truth The Search
With Etta JonesReverse the Charges At Last
With David "Fathead" NewmanUnder a Woodstock Moon Chillin' Keep the Spirits Singing The Gift I Remember Brother Ray
With Houston PersonWhy Not! The Lion and His Pride Christmas with [Houston Person and Friends]
With Avery SharpeDragon Fly Legends & Mentors Autumn Moonlight Avery Sharpe Trio Live
With Billy TaylorUrban Griot Live at IAJE New York Taylor Made at the Kennedy Center
With Frank WessSurprise, Surprise! Once Is Not Enough Magic 101
With others