Born: May 10, 1965 Primary Instrument: Trumpet
Philip Harper - trumpet
Philip Harper was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He started played trumpet when he was ten under the tutorage of his brother Winard. Later he studied at Hartt School of Music with Jackie McLean.
At the age of 18 Philip moved to New York, where he started working and recording extensively, with such musicians as “Little” Jimmy Scott, Jimmy McGriff, Betty Carter, Etta Jones, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Bill Cosby and Cedar Walton.
Between the years 1986 and 1988 he was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, with whom he also made several live recordings. After leaving the Messengers he formed a group with his brother Winard on drums, The Harper Brothers. The group toured throughout the world and made several widely successful albums for Polygram/Verve. Philip Harper has made over 50 recordings, both as leader - his solo albums “Soulful Sin” and “The Thirteenth Moon” on Muse Records - and sideman, which has earned him number one position on numerous jazz play lists and critic polls. As well as touring with various groups worldwide, he also teaches and gives workshops in several conservatories in Europe.
