Carl Harvey is a guitarist, songwriter, producer and engineer, best known for his work with Toots and the Maytals. Harvey has appeared on stage with artists such as Ron Wood, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, Bootsy Collins, Jack Johnson, Rachael Yamagata, Taj Mahal, Toots Hibbert, Leroy Sibbles, John Holt, Ken Boothes, and Marcia Griffiths. Harvey made Canadian history in the early 1970s when his funk band, The Crack of Dawn (C.O.D.), was the first black band to be signed to a major label (Columbia Records). Harvey is both a Grammy and Juno (highest music award in Canada) award winner. Harvey is no stranger to Funk, Reggae, Rock, Urban Pop, and R&B.
Harvey was born in Jamaica, but immigrated with his parents to Toronto, Canada at an early age. His life was transformed at the age of 13 when he picked up his first guitar, "I remember standing in front of a closed music store at night with my brother... our noses pressed up against the cold glass with our eyes fixed on the rows of solid body electrics hanging there, wondering what it would be like to own one."
Growing up in Toronto, Harvey was exposed to a wealth of different music. He played the tuba in high school and listened extensively to Rock and Blues. When a neighbor recognized Harvey's musical talent, he invited him to check out his extensive library of soul music. When Harvey first experienced the magic of Jimi Hendrix, he realized that music would become his full time calling,"The first time I heard Purple Haze I knew that I wanted to get a sound from the guitar that I had never heard coming from a straight guitar amp setup. Another pivotal point for me came with the release of the Cream's "White Room" and Jimi's "Voodoo Child" (Slight Return) sealed it."
Carl began touring the Ontario Club Circuit as a teenager when he joined the Funk & Soul band "The Crack of Dawn". The C.O.D. made music history in Canada as the first black band to be signed on to a major label (Columbia Records)."With the rise of funk in the 1970s, West Indian-born musicians began to make their mark on Canadian R&B. The eight-man Crack of Dawn, patterned after the progressive US band Earth, Wind & Fire, appeared in the Toronto clubs hospitable to R&B at this time... and recorded for Columbia (including the modest hit 'It's Alright [This Feeling]') before disbanding in 1977. Members Carl Harvey and Glen Ricketts subsequently played influential roles in the development of Canadian black music... and Rupert Harvey was a founder in 1981 of Messenjah."- The Canadian Encyclopedia
Harvey continued both playing and producing hit records when he was approached in 1979 by the infamous session drummer Paul Douglas. Douglas asked Harvey if he would play lead guitar for Toots and the Maytals on their Canadian Tour. Harvey's first show with the band at the Vancouver "Commodore Ballroom" was an overwhelming success. It was after this performance that he became a permanent Maytal.
People worldwide recognize Harvey as the electrifying lead guitarist of Toots and the Maytals. Harvey has been a Maytal for over two decades. He has performed on countless live tours and played on six different albums, two of which were nominated for a Grammy. He accepted a Grammy Award for his performance on the Toots and the Maytals album called "TRUE LOVE" which was awarded "The Best Reggae Album of 2004".
Harvey released his debut solo album "The Times" in July 2005. The album brought Harvey recognition for a powerful new sound that drew on his diverse musical background. Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix’s electricity and poetry, further inspired by the philosophy and spirituality of Carlos Santana and Bob Marley, Harvey’s goal was to carry the same elements forward to create music that made a positive difference. "The Times" has a unique sound interspersed with Urban Pop, Blues, Funk, R&B and an energy that is pure Harvey. He combines the old and new, with the earthy and exotic, creating infectious grooves. Visit the official website for more info: www.carlharvey.net/new_release.asp
Harvey has teamed up with the other Maytals to form a new group called "The Maytals Band". Fans of Reggae, Rock, Funk, Jazz, and Blues all appreciate the vibe that so naturally flows from this musical phenomenon. Harvey on lead guitar, Leba Hibbert (daughter of Toot's Hibbert) on lead vocals, Jackie Jackson on bass guitar, Dougie "Rad" Byran on rhythm guitar, Charles "Bulge" Farquharson ..boards, and Paul Douglas on drums. This longtime musical family has been bringing down the house for decades with Toots Hibbert.
"Missing You" (John Waite 1984 / Tina Turner 1996) and "Open Arms" (Tina Turner 2004) captivate the crowd as Leba fills the room with the same unassailable conviction and soulful sound of her father. "Blue for You", written by Harvey, sports the infectious bass lines of the great Jackie Jackson, while Harvey sings lead vocals and demonstrates his rock'n ways on lead guitar.
Harvey manages to work on other projects between tours with Toots and the Maytals. He has produced several national hits of his own. Harvey's efforts garnered him the Juno Award (highest music award in Canada) for three of his projects. He produced four albums for Messenjah, (two of which were nominated for Junos); recorded and mixed six albums for Groove United, and performed on, recorded and mixed "Once A Lion" the latest album from Ojiji, (of Messenjah). Harvey most recently completed studio work on two songs on The Maytals Band new album release, "Project". Harvey is an accomplished recording engineer with extensive experience in everything from hip-hop to jazz. He was awarded a gold record as Producer for the album called "Hands Up" by "Sway".
Whether in the studio or touring the globe, the funky guitar master Carl Harvey is always surrounded by music. For free stuff, and more updates on Harvey's music and career, visit the official website at www.carlharvey.net.
On this Thanksgiving I'm thankful for friends as sweet as you that make the world a little bit better everywhere they go - So I'm sending you a virtual pecan pie - Yum
Hi hello my dear friend and broth Carl.H. hope dat everything is well wiht U man !! HAPPY TANKS GIVING TO U MY FRIEND !!! SEND U ALL THE LOVE AND PEACE FROM ME AND MY NEW FRIEND BOVIER " PACO" HENK
Hi Carl, I hope everything is wonderfully peaceful in your world! Miss Ya, wish I could come to the St. Thomas show..ooh that is just what the Dr. ordered! Peace & Love -Jen
