Biography
Donald Harrison Jr., born June 23, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant musical and cultural traditions. His father, Donald Harrison Sr., was a Big Chief in the Mardi Gras Indian community, and this heritage profoundly shaped Harrison’s artistic identity. Harrison studied at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts under Ellis Marsalis Jr. before attending Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1981. Early in his career, he played with jazz luminaries such as Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, and notably, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, alongside fellow New Orleanian Terence Blanchard.
Harrison is celebrated for pioneering 'Nouveau Swing,' a genre-blending style that fuses jazz with R&B, hip-hop, funk, soul, and elements of New Orleans second-line rhythms. His discography includes critically acclaimed albums like 'Indian Blues,' 'Nouveau Swing,' and 'Quantum Leap,' each reflecting his commitment to innovation and tradition. Beyond jazz, he has collaborated with artists across genres, including the Notorious B.I.G., and composed orchestral works such as 'Congo Square Nation.' As Big Chief of the Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group, Harrison is a cultural ambassador, educator, and mentor, dedicated to preserving and evolving New Orleans’ musical legacy. He was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022, the nation’s highest jazz honor, and continues to inspire new generations through his music and educational initiatives.
Fun Facts
- Harrison is the Big Chief of the Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group, a role that blends music, dance, and Mardi Gras Indian traditions.
- He appeared as himself in the HBO series 'Treme,' which features characters inspired by his life and innovations in New Orleans music.
- Harrison coined the term 'Nouveau Swing' to describe his signature blend of jazz with contemporary genres like hip-hop and funk.
- He founded the Tipitina’s Foundation Internship Program to mentor and support young New Orleans musicians, especially after Hurricane Katrina.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ellis Marsalis Jr. - Teacher at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts; foundational jazz education (Student during high school years) [Late 1970s]
- Art Blakey - Band leader; Harrison was a member of the Jazz Messengers (Jazz Messengers recordings and tours) [Early-mid 1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Terence Blanchard - Fellow New Orleanian and bandmate in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers; later co-led groups (Co-led bands, Jazz Messengers recordings) [1980s]
- Roy Haynes - Band leader; Harrison played in his band early in his career (Live performances and recordings) [Late 1970s–early 1980s]
- The Notorious B.I.G. - Mentor and collaborator; contributed to B.I.G.’s jazz-influenced sound (Mentorship and musical guidance) [Early 1990s]
- Dr. John - Collaborator on albums exploring New Orleans heritage (Guest appearance on Harrison’s New Orleans-themed albums) [1990s]
- Cyrus Chestnut - Collaborator on albums with New Orleans influences (Guest appearance on New Orleans heritage albums) [1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Nephew and former student; mentored in jazz and New Orleans traditions (Mentorship, guidance on trumpet and composition) [1990s–present]
- Jon Batiste - Mentored as a young musician in New Orleans (Guidance and support in early career) [2000s]
- Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews) - Mentored and provided performance opportunities (Mentorship, band opportunities) [2000s]
- Esperanza Spalding - Mentored as part of his educational outreach (Guidance and support in jazz improvisation) [2000s]
- The Notorious B.I.G. - Mentored in jazz phrasing and musicality, influencing B.I.G.'s approach to hip-hop (Mentorship, musical advice) [Early 1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Blues | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| New Orleans Jazz Preservation | 2008-01-08 | Album |
| The Offense of the Drum | 2014-05-06 | Album |
| Two of a Kind | 2010-04-16 | Album |
| Nouveau Swing | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Quantum Leap | 2010-10-07 | Album |
| Paradise Found | 2004-03-16 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Java (With You In Mind)
- Zulu King (James Andrews and Trombone Shorty Brothers)
- Hu-ta-Nay (Indian Blues)
- Walkin' Home (Indian Blues)
- Big Chief (Indian Blues)
- Shave 'Em Dry (Indian Blues)
- Shallow Water (Indian Blues)
- Indian Red (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
- Sankofa (Church of New Orleans)
- Two-Way-Pocky-Way (Indian Blues)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Donald Harrison jr. has been played 14 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.