Donald Harrison
Nouveau Swing Pioneer
NEA Jazz Master saxophonist blending New Orleans traditions with hip-hop, funk, and soul.
About
Donald Harrison Jr. is a New Orleans-born saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master known for creating 'Nouveau Swing,' a fusion of jazz with R&B, hip-hop, rock, and soul. As Big Chief of the Congo Square Nation, he preserves Afro-New Orleans cultural traditions while mentoring world-renowned artists. His career spans from Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers to contemporary collaborations with the Cookers.
Music Style
Hard-swinging improvisational saxophonist who blends modern jazz with New Orleans second-line traditions, hip-hop, funk, and classical orchestration. Known for creating multiple influential jazz styles including Nouveau Swing and Quantum Jazz.
Background
- Hometown
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Education
- Berklee College of Music
- Instruments
- saxophone (alto), saxophone (tenor)
- Active
- 1970s-present
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