Harlan Jefferson, was born in Rockford, Illinois and
begun his musical journey via his parents' record collection,
which included the soul and funk of the 70's, the Motown gospel
soul of the 60's, and the jazz and hard bop of the 50's. At
the age of 10 years old under the instruction of his father,
he began taking Saxophone lessons. His father, A.Z. Jefferson,
JR., once a professional saxophonist in his youth, in stored
an appreciation and love for music in all of his three sons.
Harlan's love affair with classic gospel, jazz ballads
and with rhythm and blues music of earlier decades, started
when he was just a toddler. There was music in Harlan's life.
Harlan and his family would gather at his grandparent's home
on Sundays, to make music together after church. (His mother,
grandmother and uncle were singers. His father and middle
brother played saxophone while his older brother and grandfather
played the guitar.) Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Mighty Clouds
of Joy, B.B. King, George Benson, James Brown, Stanley Turrentine,
Gene Ammons, Charlie Parker, Mavin Gaye, Grover Washington
Jr. and the music of old radio shows helped form his musical
taste; as he grew older he was influenced by Prince, Sting,
jazz/blues organist great Jimmy Smith, Rakim, A Tribe Called
Quest, and a host of others.
By the age of ten, Harlan started studying the saxophone,
and within three years was working in clubs and touring the
area performing the national anthem at several venues including
professional and semi-professional sporting events. While
in his teen years Harlan played in his High School and College
band, winning several awards and participated in the prestigious
All State Jazz Band. He was known as the 'National Anthem
Player' for in and out of town semi/professional Basketball,
Football and Baseball games, the Metro Centre and Regional
College events. As Harlan evolved into a more experienced
and seasoned musician, he began putting together his own bands
quartets and musical events. One of his prized creations was
Harlan Jefferson & The Funk Attack.
Harlan began playing professionally since age 13.
He played solo and freelanced with other bands. Music ranged
from traditional jazz to country. In November of 2000, Harlan
released his debut CD, entitled 'Clandestine Rendezvous.'
To date he has sold several CD's locally. He enlisted the
help of New York Saxophonist Mark Johnson (co-producer), Alphonso
'Cheeseburger' McClain (keyboard player for the famous Gospel
Sensations, The Mighty Clouds of Joy). His CD is tribute to
his favorites, include such songs as 'Sunny', 'What you won't
do for love', 'You are my lady', and Harlan's personal creations,
'Your all I need', and 'Clandestine Rendezvous'.
Potent as a saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, composer,
arranger and actor. Harlan Jefferson is a very dynamic, creative
and soulful artist with a kind and beautiful heart. Harlan
is different from most saxophonist because he explores new
dimensions of contemporary jazz without relying simply on
technique and gimmicks. Harlan has a way of sticking to the
melody while being spontaneous and exploring his soul with
a combination of jazz, hip hop and funk. Harlan's music is
so soothing because he extends voice like sounds from his
saxophone. Harlan Jefferson possesses an extraordinary talent
for creating music that speaks personally to every individual
who hears him perform. But don't expect harlan to tell his
listeners what to feel. "Grover Washington Jr. taught me how
important emotional directness is in music, he says, "It's
all about you communicate. You tell a story, but you leave
it open to personal interpretation." Harlan has an original
contemporary style that will transcend generations.
Harlan has either played with or opened up for such
artists as R-Kelly, Tower of Power, Regina Carter, Rick Nielsen
(Cheap Trick), Danny Boy, Richie Cole, Parliament Funkadelic,
Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Smith - Organist, Spyro Gyro, Brandford
Marsalis, Bob James, Koko Taylor, Mark Colby and many more
. . . Over the years Harlan has acquired many fans and admirers.
The Midwest Music Community has recognized his achievement
through RAMI's, Best Act of Rockford Award and continued to
flock to Harlan Jefferson Events.
Acomplishments
Voted Best of Rockford Music Siblings by Rockford Magazine
in 1995
Jefferson Brothers double RAMI winner 1995, 96
Harlan Jefferson & The Funk Attack winner 1996, 97, 98
Best of Rockford On The Waterfont winner 1996, 97, 98,
99, 2001
Played locally and regionally with well-known musicians
Played locally and regionally in festivals, clubs, concerts,
theaters and casinos
Played at several colleges and universities including
NIU, UW, UC, KSU and CIU
Have played on several demos and albums including country,
rock & roll, rap, blues, gospel, r & b, funk and jazz
Has played for several non-for-profit groups including
Tiger Woods Foundation, Juneteenth Celebration and AIDS
Care Network
Has implemented and developed music and recreation camps
for at-risk youth
