News
Kevin Harris Readies for the World Premiere of His Latest Composition
“R E S O N A N C E: A Contemporary Symphonic Reflection Through the Courageous Lens of Steve Biko”
at the 2025 Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival
Pianist, composer, and educator Kevin Harris is gearing up to unveil his latest innovative composition at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival on July 8th.
The symphonic work’s originality stretches and fosters connection among disparate audiences by using improvised and written music, with jazz and classical musicians performing alongside each other.
The work is dedicated to South African anti-Apartheid activist Steve Bantu Biko and is based on the Black Consciousness Movement. Harris endeavors to bring into view how Biko's actions and words, when held up to present-day society as a mirror, can provide a source of reflection on progress achieved or lack thereof.
It’s an invitation for the audience to consider alternative points of view and also to disturb those who comfortably accept status quo.
Harris' inclusion of Spoken Word also enhances the impact and uniqueness of the piece’s theme emulating the oral tradition of African Griots who have historically served the role as storyteller, historian, musician, and poet, preserving traditions of their communities.
As art has the power to connect and elevate thought perspectives, Harris believes that in this exciting work, both music and spoken word, will foster and grow seeds grounded in the inspirational life of Steve Biko.
About Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF)
- Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Excellence -
The South Africa Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) is one of the world's most prestigious annual classical music gatherings. In this 20th anniversary, it promises an exquisite blend of talent, artistry, and celebration of classical music. The Festival takes place in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from July 4th to the 13th.
SICMF Artistic Director Nina Schumann has produced an unparalleled mix of new and old within the program, endeavoring to captivate all of the Festival’s audience.
The ten day long festival not only presents outstanding musicianship and innovation, but it aims at offering a nurturing ground for young talents, creating opportunities for the upcoming musicians to further their music studies, thereby contributing significantly to South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage
Follow SICMF here
2024 Highlights
NEW ALBUM RELEASE:
E M B E R S
Embers: a source of undercurrent energy with great power for forging will and determination.
With this new project, pianist and composer Kevin Harris seeks to bring light to the hidden embers that will continue to quietly burn throughout the curious history of our societies.
It is often necessary to pause and consider if they are embers of courage, innovation, respect or embers of racism, classism, sexism and the like.
The Album includes dynamic original compositions where Harris' artistic delivery, true to his reputation, is passionate, purposeful, and eye opening.
The ensemble featuring Terri Lyne Carrington, Jason Palmer, Caroline Davis, Max Ridley, and Tyson Jackson plays with intent, nuance, persistent curiosity, and joy that intersect and transcend genres often defying the boundaries where one style begins and another ends.
Like embers, Harris’ repertoire radiates an inventive message to never subdue our persevering spark, and value the responsibility, power, and curiosity to nourish ideals, integrity, and constructive progress.
In Harris’ words: “Our profound potential for positive action is limitless.”
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Excerpts from STEVE ELMAN’s review of EMBERS
“Comparing Harris' writing to that of Charles Mingus in the early ’60s and Herbie Hancock in the late ’60s is not faint praise. He stands on the shoulders of these masters, adds a singular personal voice, and has recruited strongly individualistic players to give his music definitive interpretation.”
. . .
“Harris trying out short-form ideas ... recalls the intuitive play of Keith Jarrett’s early trio with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian — again, this is not faint praise.”
. . .
“When Harris becomes a soloist, he does not try to dazzle with technique. Instead, he fills the role with the same creativity he brings to his writing. He has plenty of speed, but he uses it carefully, for maximum effect.”
Full review available here
With great honor and gratitude, I’d like to share recent news that I have been added to the roster of YAMAHA JAZZ PIANO ARTISTS!
I look forward to representing and collaborating with YAMAHA as they are a truly creative and innovating entity committed to refining the balance of tradition and the contemporary, an endeavor that I also highly value as a pianist and composer.
2023 Highlights
"P U L S E"
For a brief or prolonged moment, a "pulse" can disturb or comfort any definition of status quo.
“P U L S E” is an exciting and compelling through-composed chamber work combining improvised and fully notated music.
A distinctive trait of jazz pianist Kevin Harris is his desire to constantly grow, evolve, improve, and advance. His interest to interweave traditional and contemporary music styles, visual arts, electronic media, science, and language, is what distinguishes his music and what renders his performances unique experiences, meant to activate the audience's senses and personal curiosity.
With this new composition, Harris chooses to celebrate the pulse that moves within us as individuals and as a collective community seeking to positively move society forward.
“P U L S E”, is a compelling chamber composition for oboe, clarinet, violin, cello, acoustic bass, and piano, that aims to stretch repertoire and foster connection among disparate audiences using improvised and written music with jazz and classical musicians performing alongside each other.
Harris, with his fellow artists, endeavors to remind listeners of our personal and collective vibrations in search of equilibrium.
This project is made possible in part by a Live Arts Boston grant from the Boston Foundation.
Watch excerpts from the interview with Jim Brody and Margery Eagan, hosts of GBH Boston Public Radio Live from the Library
Music Arranging with Terri Lyne Carrington for Dianne Reeves
A collaboration of Terri Lyne Carrington and Kevin Harris in arranging “Someone To Watch Over Me” for Dianne Reeves.
Terry Lyne Carrington, drums
Dianne Reeves, voice
Kevin Harris, piano and arrangement
Linda Oh, acoustic bass
Matthew Stevens, guitar
The song is featured on the soundtrack of “Sweetwater,” a film about Nat Clifton, the first African-American to sign a contract with the NBA.
Available on all music platforms.
