The Harper Brothers - Artistry (1991)

One of the most hyped jazz groups of the late '80s, the Harper Brothers (co-led by drummer Winard Harper and trumpeter Philip Harper) symbolized what was right and wrong about the "Young Lions" movement. The musicianship in this hard bop unit was excellent and the young players respected their elders, but strong originality was lacking (they were largely revisiting the past) and the Harper Brothers received an excess of publicity at the expense of more innovative players. Still, during its five years, the group produced four enjoyable bop albums for Verve, and its sidemen (altoist Justin Robinson, tenors Javon Jackson and Walter Blanding, pianists Stephen Scott and Kevin Hays, and bassists Michael Bowie and Nedra Wheeler, among them) all had strong starts to their career. Both Winard and Philip Harper have grown musically since the band's breakup. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

During 1988-1992,were one of the leading Young Lions groups in jazz, younger musicians playing within the style of hard bop as typified by the 1960s recordings on Blue Note. The third of the Harper Brothers' four recordings is very much in the tradition, and much of the time sounds very much like 1965 or the early-'60s Jazz Messengers. Philip Harper's style mixes together aspects of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, Javon Jackson could almost pass for Joe Henderson, and the rhythm section is laid-back, soulful, supportive, and swinging. The originals are in the hard bop style ( with "J.W." influenced by "Giant Steps" ), and even "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" undergoes an effective transformation. The results are enjoyable if derivative.

Personnel:
Nedra Wheeler - Bass
Javon Jackson - Sax (Tenor)
Philip Harper - Trumpet
Winard Harper - Drums
Kevin Hays - Piano
The Harper Brothers- Main Performer

The Harper Brothers - Artistry Tracks:
01 1239A
02 Dakini
03 JW
04 Artistry
05 In God We Trust
06 Reflections
07 Beulah
08 Yes Sir, That’s My Baby
09 Mother’s Love
10 Down on Duncan