Drummer Eric Harland, as the ultimate modern rhythmic taste-maker and the driving force on stellar recordings from the SFJAZZ Collective, McCoy Tyner, Charles Lloyd and many others, is always in demand and, while he may or may not have time to teach others on a regular basis, he found the time to sit down in the studio for this engaging DVD. His 90 minute lesson proves to be the most broad-minded of the three discs under discussion, as he touches on the idea of making moods in music and tapping into one's own personality, and the least technically specific.

While Harland is able to share his unique perspectives on everything from cymbal choices and set-up to being a team player, he rarely gets into technical jargon. His discussion of an exercise in 21/8, which is a rare exception and allows him to experiment with different groupings in different limbs, speaks to his genius, but it also makes it clear that, when it comes to musical specifics, his ability to show, more than tell, is key. On this front, he and Joe Martin demonstrate the cat-and-mouse game that a drum and bass team can play with the beat, while a trio that pairs this rhythm duo with pianist Aaron Parks explores the blues in unique fashion. Harland's affable personality, stunning skills and ability to speak in universal, non-musical terms when it counts, makes this a winning disc that could help neophytes or Harland-lovers looking for a glimpse into his mind. Play-along tracks and a lengthy interview, which chronicles Harland's development as a musician, search for spiritual enlightenment and career highlights with artists such as trumpeter Terence Blanchard, serves as the icing on the cake.

All About Jazz

The driving force behind every jazz ensemble, the drummer represents the quintessential role as conductor, literally driving the band and creating explosive solos while providing the nuances of dynamics and accompaniment. This spring Discover Jazz takes a close look at the contributions of six extraordinary artists — Tony Williams, Peter Erskine, Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Brian Blade and Eric Harland — tracing their signature sounds, distinctive presence and influential mark on jazz drumming today and beyond. Series taught by SFJAZZ lecturer, composer and bassist Cory Combs.

Among the “young lions” today, Brian Blade and Eric Harland have attained an extraordinary level of recognition for their work with Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, the SFJAZZ Collective and many more.

Eric Harland's "Voyager, live by night" is on Itunes... Get yours today...

Welcome the Eric Harland's Newsletter

Swiss watches have become one of the most popular fashion accessoriess
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The Nobel Committee has requested Charles Lloyd and SANGAM, with Zakir Hussain and Eric Harland to perform during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on December 10th. Charles Lloyd, tenor, alto sax, bass, alto flute taragato, piano Zakir Hussain, tabla, voice, percussion Eric Harland, drums, percussion, piano They could not have picked a finer man or musician.

James Farm Salle Pleyel Paris, France January 16, 2010 The musicians in James Farm walked out onto the stage purposefully--four hip cats. The dim lighting at Salle Pleyel accentuated their mysteriousness, casting shadows over their faces as they took up their instruments. Eric Harland stood out as the coolest of the bunch in his light jean jacket and shades, and his getup belied his playing....

Ubiquitous Drummer Eric Harland Interviewed at AAJ

Performance/Tour News Posted: 2010-01-06

SOURCE: All About Jazz Publicity

Eric Harland
Drummer Eric Harland is between gigs, just back from a dates and clinics in Japan and getting ready to head to Europe. He's got new recordings out with several bands--including the Charles Lloyd Quartet, The Monterey Quartet with Dave Holland and Jason Moran--and a handful of compositions to get recorded with his own group.

But then, in a way, this was foretold by an eight year-old Harland to his mother.

“She said I told her I would travel the world, meet a lot of girls and play music," he laughs. “The funny thing is, I would say that has been my life for the last few years (except for the girls). It's all be fun; it's all been good."

AAJ Contributor John Patten spoke with Harland about managing his increasingly busy schedule, coming to music through his past life as an ordained minister, and his own projects, which should begin seeing release in 2010.

Check out Eric Harland: Searching the Patterns in Life at AAJ today!

Eric Harland (November 2009 Issue)
Always Ready To Receive The Muse

by Michael Parillo

In our November feature, Harland enlightens us to all sorts of technical matters, including achieving precise strokes on drums and cymbals, conserving energy, and strengthening the weaker hand and foot. Here’s more of our conversation. We kick off by discussing a spirited New York City performance last spring by the trio behind saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s East-meets-West Sangam album.

Featuring:

Joshua Redman - Sax
Aaron Parks - Piano
Matt Penman - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums

Will be touring in 2010... Up Coming shows in Paris on January 16th... January 31-Feb 10 european dates (Vara, Goteborg, Istanbul, Vienna, Porto and more)

Featuring:

Dave Holland - Bass
Jason Moran - Piano
Chris Potter - Sax
Eric Harland - Drums

Touring this fall... Upcoming dates... Blue Note NYC - Sept 8-13th, Chicago - Oct. 30th and much more...

Be sure to check out "Pig Hunt" the movie and listen for Harland's "Boont Woods Boogie" written and performed by Eric Harland

Harland... is about breathing as one... There are many sayings about how life and the universe is one, the visual separation is only for the individual experience... with the enlighten understanding that we are still together despite or separate journeys... Well this is what we are about musically... One source, one light, one sound, but different instruments... If you could split yourself into multiple people to have a group conversation, what would you say to yourself...?

Listen and find out... :-)

Harland Debuts his Quartet at Skidmore College

Various Photos, Set Ups and Listings for Harland

Photo by Arthur Elgort
September 18, 2000
PORTFOLIO
Beaux Jangles of Harlem (w/Hilton Als) [ABSTRACT]
[Portfolio]
by Arthur Elgort