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Lafayette Harris Jr.

Biography

Lafayette Harris Jr. is an acclaimed American jazz pianist, arranger, and composer, celebrated for his rhythmic vitality, harmonic depth, and elegant phrasing. Born in Philadelphia in 1963 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Harris began his musical journey with private lessons and playing in church, later performing in local bands that covered R&B and funk classics. His early inspiration came from Baltimore native Eubie Blake, whose performance of Scott Joplin's 'Maple Leaf Rag' motivated Harris to master the piece and deepen his commitment to jazz[1][2][7].

Harris pursued formal music education, earning a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from Rutgers University, where he studied with renowned pianist Kenny Barron. After moving to New York in the mid-1980s, Harris became a fixture in the city’s jazz scene, performing at iconic venues such as the Blue Note and Sweet Basil. He quickly gained a reputation as a 'go-to' pianist, leading to collaborations with jazz luminaries and a debut album, 'Lafayette Is Here,' on Muse Records in 1995. His career expanded to Broadway, where he served as associate conductor and keyboardist for 'Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk' and contributed to other productions like 'The Color Purple.'[1][2][3]

Throughout his career, Harris has worked with a wide array of artists, including Max Roach, Ernestine Anderson, Roswell Rudd, and Houston Person. His discography spans over ten albums, and his style seamlessly blends jazz, blues, stride, and gospel influences. Harris is recognized for his passionate flair, deep knowledge of jazz tradition, and his role as a mentor and educator, leaving a significant legacy in both performance and jazz education[1][3][4].

Fun Facts

  • Harris was the associate conductor and keyboardist for the Broadway hit 'Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk,' and later contributed to 'The Color Purple.'
  • He started his own label, Airmen, in 1997 to release his own music and that of his peers.
  • Harris is known for hosting one of New York's most respected open mic jazz sessions at the historic Lenox Lounge in Harlem.
  • He has performed at high-profile private events, including the wedding of the daughter of ABC news anchor Charlie Gibson.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Kenny Barron - Studied under Barron at Rutgers University for his master's degree in Jazz Performance. (Graduate studies, mentorship) [1980s]
  • Barry Harris - Studied with the legendary pianist after moving to New York. (Private lessons, stylistic influence) [Mid-1980s]
  • Eubie Blake - Major early inspiration; hearing Blake play 'Maple Leaf Rag' inspired Harris to pursue jazz. (Personal inspiration, repertoire influence) [Childhood/teens]

Key Collaborators

  • Max Roach - Pianist, arranger, and musical director for Roach for nearly a decade, including international tours and collaborations with the Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir. (Tours, live performances, church choir collaborations) [1997–2005]
  • Ernestine Anderson - Recorded and toured with the Grammy-nominated vocalist. (European tours, live performances) [1990s–2000s]
  • Houston Person - Performs and records regularly with the legendary saxophonist, including multiple albums. (Albums: 'Hangin' with the Big Boys', 'You Can't Lose with the Blues', others) [2010s–present]
  • Roswell Rudd - Collaborated on jazz projects and performances. (Live performances, recordings) [2005–2010s]
  • Lonnie Plaxico - Frequent rhythm section collaborator, including on Harris's albums. (Albums: 'Bend to the Light', 'Lafayette Is Here') [1990s–2010s]
  • Cindy Blackman - Drummer on Harris's debut album and other projects. (Album: 'Lafayette Is Here') [1990s]

Artists Influenced

  • No widely documented individual proteges or students - Harris is recognized as an educator and mentor, but specific notable proteges are not cited in major sources. (Jazz education, workshops, masterclasses) [2000s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
You Can't Lose with the Blues 2019-11-01 Album
Swingin' Up in Harlem 2023-03-10 Album
Trio Talk (Dwayne Dolphin & Winard Harper) 2008-03-28 Album
All in Good Time 2025-11-07 Album
Hangin' with the Big Boys 2016-05-06 Album
In The Middle Of The Night 2006-01-01 Album
Lafayette Is Here...Solo 1998-01-01 Album
Christmastime Is Here 1998 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Wonder Why (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  2. Blues for Barry Harris (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  3. I Love You, Yes I Do (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  4. Swingin' Up in Harlem (Swingin' Up in Harlem)
  5. He's My Guy (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  6. The Juicy Blues (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  7. Swingin' Up in Harlem (Swingin' Up in Harlem)
  8. Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  9. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye (You Can't Lose with the Blues)
  10. You Can't Lose with the Blues (You Can't Lose with the Blues)

References

  1. music.apple.com
  2. allaboutjazz.com
  3. lafayetteharrisjr.com
  4. bkcm.org

Heard on WWOZ

Lafayette Harris Jr. has been played 6 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 9, 202617:14I'm So Glad We Had This Time Togetherfrom All In Good TimeJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell
Dec 11, 202516:55Iko Ikofrom All In Good TimeJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill
Dec 5, 202516:33I Want To Be Happyfrom All In Good TimeJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Charles Burchell
Nov 20, 202516:23Long Hot Summer Bluesfrom All In Good TimeJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill
Nov 13, 202516:19Iko Ikofrom All In Good TimeJazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill
Nov 10, 202521:54Autumn Nocturnefrom Trio TalkBlues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr.