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Lafayette Harris’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Known as the “go to” pianist by other musicians and band leaders, in the last year alone, Lafayette has performed on Broadway with the THE COLOR PURPLE, toured Europe with Ernestine Anderson, played the wedding for the daughter of ABC “World News Tonight” host, Charlie Gibson and helped raise money for children with cancer in Columbus, OH. Alongside these have been Lafayette’s regular appearances at New York’s Blue Note and weekly open mic session that he hosts at the historic Lenox Lounge in Harlem, widely regarded as the “best vocal jam session” in the city by New York’s weekly listing guides. In between all this, Lafayette has managed to record two new albums in the last year – TRIO TALK, a jazz trio outing and a contemporary funk/fusion project, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.
However, before the A-list musician lifestyle, Lafayette’s formative years were spent in Baltimore, laying the foundation to his craft at church and in private tutelage. By the time he hit his teens Lafayette was a regular on the local Top 40 scene, playing in bands that covered all the classic R&B and funk of the day by acts such as the Ohio Players, Parliament/Funkadelic, the Gap Band and more. However, Lafayette’s heart was very much rooted in jazz and his real hero was fellow Baltimore native Eubie Blake. After hearing Blake play Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” Lafayette was determined to perfect it. He augmented his live work with hard study, receiving a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory and then going on to study with master pianist Kenny Barron at Rutgers University in NJ, where he earned a Masters in Jazz Performance.
Moving to New York in the mid 80’s Lafayette was swept into the intense musical whirlpool that was the Big Apple live scene at that time. Working in well established clubs like the Blue Note, Sweet Basil, and Fat Tuesday’s, the young musician soon garnered a reputation for himself as a name to watch. That reputation earned Lafayette a record deal with Muse Records, resulting in his debut album, aptly titled “Lafayette Is Here,” featuring then young lions, Terell Stafford (trumpet), Don Braden (tenor saxophone) and rhythm section-mates Lonnie Plaxico (bass) and Cindy Blackman (drums). A second Muse recording, “Happy Together,” starred The Lafayette Harris Trio plus Melba Moore.
By the early 90’s Lafayette had also become a regular on the European jazz festival circuit, playing alongside the likes of trombonists Slide Hampton and John Gordon and the vocalist Barbara Morrison. Also during this period his former teacher Kenny Barron referred him to master drummer Max Roach. This new relationship resulted in almost 10 years of touring and collaborating with the legendary drummer, prompting him to describe Lafayette as a “phenomenal new voice on the music scene today.”
By the early 90’s Lafayette had also become a regular on the European jazz festival circuit, playing alongside the likes of trombonists Slide Hampton and John Gordon and the vocalist Barbara Morrison. Also during this period his former teacher Kenny Barron referred him to master drummer Max Roach. This new relationship resulted in almost 10 years of touring and collaborating with the legendary drummer, prompting him to describe Lafayette as a “phenomenal new voice on the music scene today.”
During the “Bring In 'Da Noise…” period, Lafayette was invited to play at a fundraiser for underprivileged children at the home of the late news anchor, Peter Jennings. The band comprised Illinois Jacquet, Percy Heath, Max Roach and Wynton Marsalis. Lafayette’s debut release on his own label, Airmen Records, “Lafayette Is Here…Solo” was voted one of the best recordings of 1998 by Cadence Magazine.
By the new millennium Lafayette was recruited by guitarist Mark Whitfield to form the group Soul Conversation for Herbie Hancock’s label. Other names Lafayette has played with in recent years include R&B/Broadway diva Jennifer Holliday, jazz legend Billy Taylor and Grammy nominee Ernestine Anderson.
Says Lafayette with trademark modesty of his long, illustrious career:
“For me it’s definitely great to do something you love and make a living at it. To be able to have a family and a roof over my head because of my success in music is a blessing. If I can keep contributing to the world’s musical sound palette I’ll be satisfied as a musician. When I look at the successes of past and present greats from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock and others, I am amazed at their ability to continue being creative and significant and I’m instantly inspired.”
Hello Friend. I want to take the time out to personally thank you for adding me to your friends list. It is truly an honor. While i'm here, i want to drop this in your sprit. I am Currently On tour With My Group Annointed By Chrsit (A.B.C) promoting This Album I Produced call the "New Generation Of Gospel Music". I am extending an invitation unto you to experience this ministry live that God has ordained me to share with the Body of Christ.
There is no Fee involved however we do have c.ds that we sell after each concert. If you are interested in us coming to minister at you church than feel free to contact me. Just let me know that time and date and we will make ourselves available to be there. Thank You For Your Time.
Lafayette, i love the album trio talk!!! I just played with Dwayne Dolphin last friday, Man he's a killer!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing player. All the best my friend: Steve
Thank you for the ad, and for your continual kindness. I really enjoyed listening to you and your trio and for the opportunity to sing at the Lenox Lounge. All my very best wishes to you, L.
Happy Belated Birthday Lafayette! Sorry I missed the CD release and festivities however, hearing the track you put on myspace I know the rest of your CD must be tremendous! I will purchase a copy the next time I see you at the Lounge. All Godly success to you, Wendy
Hey Laf, I listened to your tracks on CD Baby from the new CD. Sounds gr8!!! I can't wait to purchase it from you. So, bring one Saturday all signed and thangs for me. BTW, I like the new profile page. (wink, wink)
