Who is Wynton Harvey? Wynton Harvey is an accomplished jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator.
He is the Artistic Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Harvey has won numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards, and is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
Harvey is known for his virtuosic playing, his innovative compositions, and his commitment to music education. He has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock. He has also composed music for film and television, and has written several books about jazz.
Harvey is a passionate advocate for jazz education. He founded the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's Essentially Ellington program, which provides training and performance opportunities for young jazz musicians. He also teaches at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.
Wynton Harvey
Wynton Harvey is an accomplished jazz trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator. He is the Artistic Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Harvey has won numerous awards, including nine Grammy Awards, and is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
- Trumpeter: Harvey is a virtuoso trumpet player, known for his technical skill and improvisational ability.
- Composer: Harvey has composed over 100 jazz compositions, many of which have become jazz standards.
- Bandleader: Harvey has led the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1995. The orchestra is one of the most prestigious jazz ensembles in the world.
- Educator: Harvey is a passionate advocate for jazz education. He founded the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's Essentially Ellington program, which provides training and performance opportunities for young jazz musicians.
- Grammy Award winner: Harvey has won nine Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album for "Blood on the Fields" (1997) and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for "The Good Friday Concert" (2005).
- National Medal of Arts recipient: Harvey received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in 2013. The award is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons in the United States.
- Jazz ambassador: Harvey is a global ambassador for jazz. He has performed and taught jazz all over the world, and has helped to promote jazz appreciation and understanding.
These seven key aspects highlight the many dimensions of Wynton Harvey's career and contributions to jazz. He is a world-renowned trumpeter, composer, bandleader, educator, and Grammy Award winner. He is also a passionate advocate for jazz education and a global ambassador for jazz. Harvey's work has helped to keep jazz alive and vibrant, and has inspired generations of jazz musicians.
Personal details and bio data of Wynton Harvey
| Name: | Wynton Learson Harvey |
| Born: | October 19, 1955 (age 67) |
| Birthplace: | Newport News, Virginia, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Trumpeter, composer, bandleader, educator |
| Years active: | 1975present |
| Genres: | Jazz |
| Instruments: | Trumpet |
| Labels: | Verve, GRP, Telarc, Concord |
| Awards: | 9 Grammy Awards, National Medal of Arts |
Trumpeter
Wynton Harvey is one of the most celebrated trumpet players of his generation. He is known for his virtuosic technique, his improvisational brilliance, and his deep understanding of the jazz tradition.
- Technical skill: Harvey has mastered the trumpet to an extraordinary degree. He has a flawless technique and can play with great speed, accuracy, and control. He is also a master of harmonics and can produce a wide range of sounds on the trumpet.
- Improvisational ability: Harvey is one of the most gifted improvisers in jazz. He has a deep understanding of the jazz tradition and can spontaneously create solos that are both melodic and harmonically complex. He is also a master of call and response, and can trade fours with other musicians with ease.
- Understanding of the jazz tradition: Harvey has a deep understanding of the jazz tradition. He has studied the music of the great jazz trumpeters, such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. He has also played with many of the greatest jazz musicians of his time, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Ron Carter.
Harvey's virtuosity, improvisational brilliance, and understanding of the jazz tradition have made him one of the most respected and admired trumpet players in the world. He is a true master of his instrument and a living legend of jazz.
Composer
Wynton Harvey is not only a virtuoso trumpet player but also a gifted composer. He has written over 100 jazz compositions, many of which have become jazz standards. His compositions are known for their melodic beauty, harmonic complexity, and rhythmic drive.
- Melodic beauty: Harvey's compositions are often characterized by their beautiful melodies. He has a gift for writing melodies that are both memorable and moving.
- Harmonic complexity: Harvey's compositions are also known for their harmonic complexity. He uses a wide range of chords and voicings, and he is not afraid to experiment with different harmonic progressions.
- Rhythmic drive: Harvey's compositions are always rhythmically driven. He uses a variety of rhythms and feels, and he knows how to create a groove that will get people moving.
Harvey's compositions have been recorded by a wide range of jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock. His compositions have also been featured in films and television shows. Harvey's compositions are a major contribution to the jazz tradition, and they continue to be played and enjoyed by jazz musicians and fans around the world.
Bandleader
Wynton Harvey is not only a virtuoso trumpet player and composer, but also a respected bandleader. He has led the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1995, and under his leadership, the orchestra has become one of the most prestigious jazz ensembles in the world.
- Artistic direction: As bandleader, Harvey is responsible for the artistic direction of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He chooses the repertoire, leads rehearsals, and conducts performances. He also works with the orchestra's musicians to develop new and innovative ways to perform jazz.
- Mentorship: Harvey is a mentor to the young musicians in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He provides them with guidance and support, and he helps them to develop their musical skills and knowledge.
- Ambassadorship: Harvey is an ambassador for jazz music. He leads the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on tours around the world, and he works to promote jazz education and appreciation.
Harvey's leadership of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has had a major impact on the jazz world. He has helped to raise the profile of jazz and to attract new audiences to the music. He has also helped to develop a new generation of jazz musicians.
Educator
Wynton Harvey is a passionate advocate for jazz education. He believes that jazz is a vital part of American culture and that it should be accessible to everyone. Harvey has worked tirelessly to promote jazz education, and he has founded several programs to help young musicians learn about and play jazz.
One of Harvey's most successful educational programs is the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's Essentially Ellington program. This program provides training and performance opportunities for young jazz musicians. The program has been very successful, and it has helped to develop a new generation of jazz musicians.
Harvey's commitment to jazz education is evident in his work with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The orchestra regularly performs educational concerts for young people, and it also offers a variety of educational programs. Harvey believes that it is important to expose young people to jazz and to help them to develop an appreciation for the music.
Harvey's work as an educator has had a major impact on the jazz world. He has helped to raise the profile of jazz education and to attract new audiences to the music. He has also helped to develop a new generation of jazz musicians.
Grammy Award winner
Wynton Harvey is one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of his generation. He has won nine Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album for "Blood on the Fields" (1997) and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for "The Good Friday Concert" (2005). Harvey's Grammy Awards are a testament to his extraordinary talent and his commitment to jazz music.
- Recognition of excellence: Grammy Awards are the highest honors in the music industry. Harvey's nine Grammy Awards are a recognition of his excellence as a jazz musician. He is one of the most awarded jazz musicians in history.
- Diversity of talent: Harvey's Grammy Awards span a variety of categories, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, and Best Jazz Solo. This demonstrates Harvey's versatility as a jazz musician. He is equally adept at playing and composing jazz.
- Inspiration to others: Harvey's Grammy Awards are an inspiration to other jazz musicians. They show that it is possible to achieve great success in the jazz world. Harvey's awards are a reminder that jazz is a thriving and vibrant art form.
Harvey's Grammy Awards are a testament to his extraordinary talent and his commitment to jazz music. He is one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of his generation, and his awards are a recognition of his excellence as a musician and composer.
National Medal of Arts recipient
The National Medal of Arts is a prestigious award given to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the arts in the United States. Wynton Harvey is one of the few jazz musicians to have received this award, which is a testament to his extraordinary talent and his dedication to jazz music.
- Recognition of excellence: The National Medal of Arts is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an artist or arts patron in the United States. Harvey's receipt of this award is a recognition of his excellence as a jazz musician and his commitment to the arts.
- Inspiration to others: Harvey's National Medal of Arts is an inspiration to other jazz musicians and artists. It shows that it is possible to achieve great success in the arts and that jazz music is a respected and valued art form.
- Commitment to jazz education: Harvey is a passionate advocate for jazz education. He believes that jazz is a vital part of American culture and that it should be accessible to everyone. Harvey's National Medal of Arts is a recognition of his commitment to jazz education and his work to promote the music to new audiences.
Harvey's National Medal of Arts is a testament to his extraordinary talent, his dedication to jazz music, and his commitment to jazz education. He is one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of his generation, and his award is a recognition of his excellence as a musician, composer, and educator.
Jazz ambassador
Wynton Harvey is a global ambassador for jazz. He has performed and taught jazz all over the world, and has helped to promote jazz appreciation and understanding. Harvey is a passionate advocate for jazz music, and he believes that it is a vital part of American culture.
- Performances: Harvey has performed jazz all over the world, from the United States to Europe to Asia. He has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock. Harvey's performances have helped to introduce jazz to new audiences and to promote jazz appreciation.
- Teaching: Harvey is also a dedicated jazz educator. He has taught jazz at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. Harvey is passionate about teaching jazz to young people, and he believes that it is important to pass on the jazz tradition to future generations.
- Advocacy: Harvey is a vocal advocate for jazz music. He has spoken out about the importance of jazz education and the need to preserve jazz venues. Harvey's advocacy has helped to raise the profile of jazz and to attract new audiences to the music.
Harvey's work as a jazz ambassador has had a major impact on the jazz world. He has helped to promote jazz appreciation and understanding around the world. Harvey is a true ambassador for jazz music, and he is dedicated to preserving and promoting the music for future generations.
FAQs about Wynton Harvey
Here are some frequently asked questions about Wynton Harvey, along with brief answers. This information should enable you to enhance your understanding of this acclaimed jazz musician.
Question 1: What are some of Wynton Harvey's most notable accomplishments?
Answer: Wynton Harvey has achieved tremendous success throughout his career, including winning nine Grammy Awards, receiving the National Medal of Arts, and establishing himself as the Artistic Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Question 2: What instruments does Wynton Harvey play?
Answer: Wynton Harvey is primarily known for his exceptional trumpet playing, showcasing his virtuosity and improvisational skills.
Question 3: What is Wynton Harvey's approach to jazz education?
Answer: Wynton Harvey is committed to fostering the next generation of jazz musicians. He founded the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's Essentially Ellington program, providing training and performance opportunities for young jazz players.
Question 4: How has Wynton Harvey contributed to the preservation of jazz?
Answer: Wynton Harvey has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting jazz music. He has performed and taught jazz worldwide, and serves as a global ambassador for the genre.
Question 5: What is Wynton Harvey's role in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra?
Answer: Wynton Harvey is the Artistic Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, guiding the orchestra's artistic direction and shaping its musical repertoire.
Question 6: What are some of Wynton Harvey's most famous compositions?
Answer: Wynton Harvey has composed numerous celebrated jazz pieces, including "Blood on the Fields," "The Good Friday Concert," and "Portraits."
In summary, Wynton Harvey's multifaceted career encompasses not only his remarkable musicianship but also his dedication to jazz education, preservation, and promotion. His contributions have significantly enriched the jazz landscape.
To learn more about Wynton Harvey and his ongoing projects, you can visit the Jazz at Lincoln Center website or follow him on social media.
Conclusion
Wynton Harvey is a true icon in the world of jazz music. His exceptional trumpet playing, innovative compositions, and unwavering dedication to jazz education have earned him widespread recognition and accolades. As the Artistic Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, he continues to shape the future of jazz and inspire generations of musicians.
Harvey's commitment to preserving and promoting jazz is commendable. Through his performances, teaching, and advocacy, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring that jazz remains a vibrant and thriving art form. His efforts have not only enriched the jazz community but have also introduced countless individuals to the beauty and power of jazz music.
Wynton Harvey's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers alike for years to come. His contributions to the world of jazz are immeasurable, and his passion for the genre is truly remarkable. As he continues his musical journey, we can eagerly anticipate further groundbreaking compositions, performances, and educational initiatives that will undoubtedly leave an enduring mark on the world of jazz.
