Bio
“One of the five young jazz players you should know”
Bruce Harris is an exceptional musician and trumpet player who fearlessly explores the boundaries of contemporary music within the legendary jazz scene of New York City. With a deep-rooted appreciation for tradition and a penchant for innovative ideas, Harris effortlessly juggles multiple roles as a musician, trumpeter, curator, mentor, and educator.
A Bronx native, spent his formative years in the thriving musical landscape of 1980s New York City. Growing up amidst the epicenter of the Hip-hop era, he was also exposed to the echoes of the influential Be-bop era, which holds a significant place in the city's musical heritage. Surrounded by music at all times, Harris sought a means of self-expression and found it in the trumpet. At the age of 12, he began emulating and absorbing the works of his inspirations, including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Marvin Gaye, and Prince.
During his high school years, Harris's talent earned him a remarkable opportunity to perform alongside the renowned trumpeter, educator, and musical historian Wynton Marsalis through the "Essentially Ellington" jazz band competition. This experience further fueled his passion for music. Harris pursued his education in jazz performance by studying under the tutelage of trumpet virtuoso Jon Faddis at the Conservatory of Music in SUNY Purchase College, where he successfully obtained both a Bachelor's and Master's degree.
These albums feature an impressive lineup of collaborative musicians, including Sullivan Fortner, Samara Joy, David Wong, Aaron Kimmel, Clovis Nicholas, Jerry Weldon, Michael Weiss, and others. Harris's musical journey has led him to sign with Equitone Records, and he is currently working on a tribute album dedicated to his mentor, Barry Harris. The tribute album is expected to be released in the fall in collaboration with Ehud Asherie, marking Harris's third solo project.
Currently, Bruce Harris continues to be a prominent figure in the vibrant music scene of New York City. Alongside his global tours as a freelance trumpet player and bandleader, he is eagerly looking forward to his upcoming performance at the renowned Newport Jazz Festival, where he will pay homage to the legendary Louis Armstrong. As he gets ready for the grand event, Harris diligently practices on his trusted Lotus Trumpets, grateful for his endorsement with the esteemed brand.
Bruce Harris, as a performer, has established a professional career defined by his contagious joy, unwavering passion, and youthful energy. He has honed his skills and delighted audiences in some of New York's most prestigious music venues and jazz clubs, including Smalls, Smoke Jazz Club, Dizzy's Club, Ginny's Supper Club, Minton's, and Rockwood Music Hall. Harris's talents have also graced national television, with appearances on CBS's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NBC's The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. In addition, he has showcased his abilities in two Broadway productions: After Midnight (2013) and Shuffle Along (2016).
Throughout his career, Harris has had the privilege of sharing the stage with an illustrious roster of legendary performers and artists. This includes memorable collaborations with Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, Billy Taylor, The Count Basie Orchestra, Barry Harris, Roy Hargrove, Tony Bennett, Fantasia Barrino, Patti Labelle, Audra McDonald, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Steve Martin, Seth MacFarlane, Prairie Home Companion, Harry Connick Jr., and many more.
As an accomplished recording artist, Bruce Harris has showcased his talent and leadership on two albums to date. His debut album, "Beginnings," was released under the Posi-tone label. Additionally, Harris contributed his musical prowess to the album "Soundview," which was released under the labels Cellar Live and La Reverse Records. In 2022, Harris co-led an album alongside saxophonist Grant Stewart titled "The Lighting of The Lamp," also released under Cellar Live or La Reverse Records.
