Wendell Harrison: Biography

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• Discography
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• Don Byron
• Perry Robinson
• Buddy DeFranco
• John Carter
• Jimmy Hamilton
• Eddie Daniels
• Alvin Batiste

• Phil Ranelin & the Tribe

• Charles Green
• Howard Johnson
• Hank Crawford
• Fielder Floyd
• John Hunt

Born:

Jan 1, 1942 in Detroit, MI

Genres:

Jazz Music, Bop Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

A fine clarinetist and tenor saxophonist, Wendell Harrison has been an important force in Detroit during the past several decades. He began on clarinet when he was seven, started playing tenor in high school, and studied with Barry Harris. In 1960, he moved to New York, playing with Jack McDuff, Elvin Jones, Sonny Stitt, Grant Green, and Sun Ra, in addition to being in Hank Crawford's band for over four years. In 1970, Harrison moved back to Detroit, started doing session work, and became a jazz educator. He has formed several labels (Tribe, Rebirth, and WenHa), recording frequently, and utilizing such sidemen as Leon Thomas, Marcus Belgrave, Kirk Lightsey, Charles Tolliver, and (with his Clarinet Ensemble) James Carter.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide