DESCRIPTION:
Although Harp's first love was traditional Jazz, he has made his mark as one of the best-selling and most sought after ambassadors of contemporary Jazz for close to two decades. His soulful and trademark blend of Jazz, R&B, Funk and Pop have made him a favorite. With an illustrious career that has allowed him to collaborate with everyone from Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Patti Labelle to George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Kenny Loggins, Harp has left an indelible imprint on the scene with his own unique, muscular and soulful approach.

First Love, Harps new and third Shanachie Entertainment CD is truly a labor of love and was inspired by opportunities he has had over the past year and a half to play both contemporary Jazz and mainstream Jazz gigs in the US and abroad.

First Love is a testament to Everette Harp's sensitivity and maturity as a musician to transcend boundaries. Comfortable in any musical context, Harps compositional prowess shines through, as does his agile, robust, thoughtful and melodic horn playing. First Love features the groove heavy Before You Leave showcasing the rhythm section of George Duke on Fender Rhodes, bassist James Genus, drummer Terri Lynn Carrington and guitarist Dwight Sills.

A special high point on First Love is Everette Harp's sublime rendition of John Coltrane's Central Park West from Tranes landmark 1960 session Coltranes Sound. Together with George Duke, James Genus and Terri Lynn, Harp captures the serenity and picturesque beauty that Coltrane imagnines in the original rendition.