New York-based guitarist/composer plays creative jazz influenced by ethnic traditions from around the world, Rhythm and Blues, and modern classical music. His latest CD, Range of Motion (Koch Jazz) is an octet recording which features the esteemed woodwinds player Paul McCandless (from the group Oregon). It has received considerable praise, including positive reviews in Downbeat, Jazz Times, Cadence, Boston Phoenix, etc. Dan Oullette of Downbeat called it one of the 10 best CDs of 1997.
Mr. Harrison’s previous CD, 3+3=7 (9 Winds), features a frontier-seeking ensemble of three guitars and three percussionists, including Los Angeles-based guitarist Nels Cline. This colorful, rambunctious recording also garnered fine reviews from Downbeat, Option, San Francisco Bay Guardian, etc. The Village Voice in reviewing the CD described Harrison as a “brilliant, sci-fi guitarist”.

Joel Harrison relocated to New York city in 1999 from the San Francisco Bay Area where for ten years he led a number of groups and freelanced as a guitarist in a number of styles and genres. While on the West Coast his various ensembles performed in many of California’s major clubs and festivals. Since 1998 he has begun to tour internationally with his quartet. Mr. Harrison has also composed several film and documentary scores, most recently for A&E.

Artist Website