Biography
A fine, though not showy drummer, Al Harewood has been the epitome of a seasoned, sensitive percussionist since the ’50s. He’s provided consistent, steady rhythmic support and can play with a force and surprising dexterity when given the spotlight. Harewood began his career in the ’50s working with the J.J. Johnson/Kai Winding duo. He later played with Gigi Gryce, Art Farmer, and George Barrow before joining Lou Donaldson in 1959. He recorded in the ’50s with David Amram, Curtis Fuller, and Benny Golson as well as Donaldson, and with Horace Parlan, Grant Green and Donaldson in the ’60s. Harewood worked briefly with Mary Lou Williams in 1962, then played with Stan Getz and later rejoined Amram. Harewood played with Chuck Wayne, Joe Williams, the Newport Jazz Festival All Stars and Lisle Atkinson in the ’70s, recording with Betty Carter, plus Fuller and Parlan once more. He became an instructor at Livingston College in the mid-’70s, and played with the descendants of Mike And Phoebe in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Harewood began playing with Lee Konitz in 1983. He has no sessions as a leader, but can be heard on reissues by Parlan, Green, Carter and the Johnson/Winding team. ~ Ron Wynn