John Harden

John Harden Music (Formerly John Harden Project (JHP)) - New Web Site In Progress

John Harden is an adventurous open minded saxophonist and songwriter who always strives and pushes himself as an artist. Hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, John recently relocated to Miami, Florida. His music and sound encompasses many genres but the strongest influences are jazz, gospel and jam band. If you looked at his music collection you’d see that it stretches from Joshua Redman to Derek Trucks; from George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic to the Dave Matthews Band. John’s early influences were Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Grover Washington, Jr., and Stevie Wonder.

“My only goal is to create powerful music that will touch people’s souls”.

John has spent years mastering his craft; that coupled with his many experiences has shaped and molded who he is. He started performing professionally at age 15. He obtained a B.A. in jazz studies from the University of Louisville’s Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies program in 2006. While at U of L he was able to study with the likes of Delfeayo Marsalis, Eric Alexander, Tim Armacost and Bobby Floyd just to name a few.

After college John began playing the piano in church which led to him developing a passion for the instrument. Within 3 years he was performing professionally on both the saxophone and keyboard. “Learning to play the piano greatly improved my understanding of harmony and is a major asset to my songwriting.”

In the Midwest, John performed at major and prestigious events like Indy Parks, Jazz in the Parks; Madame Walker Theatre; Governor’s Mansion; Wine Tasting with Mario Andretti; Indiana Black Expo, Horizon Concert Series; The Arts Garden; Indiana Historical Center; Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon; 100.9 FM Smooth Jazz Concert Series; Indianapolis Museum of Arts; Blues, Jazz & Rib Fest for the City of Marion; guest saxophonist at the Richard “Kush” Griffith benefit in Kentucky, featured guest artist with Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis Jazz Ensemble and more.

John's debut CD, Just Say So, was released in January 2009 and shortly after hit the national jazz chart, JazzWeek at #48. Doubling on sax and keys afforded John the opportunity to tour Spain and Portugal in 2012 as a musician and musical arranger. "I was given the daunting task to arrange a full Whitney Houston tribute. I was pleased about how well it was received".

Since relocating to Florida, John has already enjoyed performing at several events at AvenueD with various artists from Miami and afar.

He has performed on keyboards at Ft. Lauderdale's concert series and performed saxophone for local jazz legend, Alice Day, at the Miami Garden's concert series. John recently became a member of the B. B. King’s Blues Club All Star Band in West Palm Beach. So much more is ahead for John as he prepares to launch his new web site, second project and dives into the world of music production. Show less