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Arthur Harper

Arthur Harper passed away July 2004

    Arthur Harper is among the very top select few of Philadelphia's bassists. This.. in a city that pumps out world class bassists like no other !!  

    He began his professional career in Philadelphia during the early fifties  (the Golden Age of Philly Jazz).  Attending Mastbaum Tech, whose alumni include trumpeters Johnny Coles and Lee Morgan, (who was a bandmate of Arthur's at the time) grounded him in Classical as well as contemporary repertoire.

    In the early 60's, as Jazz venues and opportunities began to decline in Philly, saxophonist-arranger Jimmy Heath, recognizing Mr. Harper's talents, recommended him to the well-established J.J. Johnson, who's sextet at the time included Jimmy's brother Al 'Tootie" Heath, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard and Clifford Jordan.  Being introduced to the New York scene by bop's most respected trombone player ignited Arthur's career.  He collaborated and freelanced throughout the city, branching out to  European locales with such luminaries as Sonny Stitt, the Woody Herman Big Band, Ray Bryant and Wes Montgomery.  He can be heard on European recordings with burning tenorman Johnny Griffin.

    As if his resume were not full enough, Arthur Harper returned to Philadelphia in 1975, and seriously pursued stage acting, landing roles in several well-known productions including "Simply Heavenly", "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", "The Rabbit's Foot", and "The Ground People" which had a successful run on Broadway.

       He would like for his Philadelphia fans to know that "he is grateful for the opportunity to perform and share his gifts as such for all those who love jazz and will listen."   - We'll be listening Arthur !!!!

You can probably catch him at the Prime Rib if you can afford the drinks.