DOORS 9PM | SHOW 9:30-10:30PM
Wendell Harrison is an award winning jazz guru who is known all over the world as a world class jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, recording artist and a jazz entrepreneur.
Wendell was born in Detroit, MI on October 1, 1942. His early days in Detroit as a young musician stemmed from his elder school mates at Northwestern High School which included internationally known pianist Barry Harris, trumpeter Lonnie Hillyar, bassist James Hankins and drummer Roy Brooks. These are important world known jazz icons that encouraged and groomed him.
Later, Wendell migrated to New York where he honed his skills and performed with famous jazz musicians like Grant Green and Hank Crawford. In 1970 Wendell returned to Detroit.
Determined to record his own music and control his own destiny in the music industry, Wendell teamed up with trombonist Phil Ranelin and founded Tribe Records, an independent Black jazz record label. Tribe began recording prominent jazz musicians who resided in Detroit such as Marcus Belgrave, Doug Hammond and Harold McKinney and David Durrah. Tribe also published a Black Awareness magazine called Tribe Magazine.
Tribe later disbanded somewhat but the demand was so great from various parts of the world there has been a resurgence of Tribe. Tribe Records is still thriving today with re issues and new releases in the USA, Japan and the UK.
In the meantime, Wendell felt a strong need to educate young musicians and members of the community about Jazz. Wendell formed a non profit organization known as Rebirth Inc. which provides programs for the community by presenting concerts, workshops, master classes. Rebirth was founded in 1978 along with pianist Harold McKinney. The organization continues to provide exciting jazz programs to the community today.
Wendell has garnered many awards which most recently include the 2021 Jazz Journalist Award, 2018 Kresge Eminent Artist Award, 2021 New Music USA, 2020 Chamber Music USA to for his works as a cultural warrior and hero. Wendell is also a dynamic educator, schooling students in jazz improvisation. Starting off with a few students in middle school, they are now performing with him and training and teaching others about Jazz.
Wendell has over 30 recorded releases on the international Jazz market. A new release entitled Tribe 2000 will be available later in 2024 released on the ORG record label in California.
He has authored two publications; The Be Boppers Method Books Volumes I & II which is invaluable aid to students studying jazz improvisation. Wendell also received a Masters Degree in Communications from Spring Arbor University in 2018 having a desire to continue learning.
THE BAND:
Wendell Harrison - Saxophone
Damon Warmack - Bass
Louis M. Jones - Drums
Pamela Wise - Piano
Ingrid Racine - Trumpet
Jacob Schwandt - Guitar