A double helping of jazz

4/2/2004

Winard Harper and Sean Jones, two acclaimed jazz turks, will lead their bands in concert tonight in downtown Toledo.

Harper, who played drums as a teenager with jazz legend Dexter Gordon, returns to Murphy's Place for two sets at 8 and 10 with his new band, the Winard Harper Sextet.

He went on to perform with singer Betty Carter for four years and worked with saxophonist Johnny Griffin.

In 1990, Winard teamed with his brother Philip to form the Harper Brothers Quintet, and at a Los Angeles concert were introduced by jazz critic Leonard Feather as "the most brilliant new jazz group of the new decade."

Their second album, "Remembrance," opened at the top of the Billboard Jazz Chart and stayed there for two months.

Harper also has recorded with such jazz greats as Buster Williams, George Cables, and Wycliffe Gordon. His newest disc, "Come into the Light," is scheduled for release Tuesday.

Admission is $25 for reserved patron seating, $15 for adults, and $6 for students at Murphy's Place, 151 Water St. Reservations are available at 419-241-7732.

Jones, a trumpeter from Warren, Ohio, will be in concert tonight at Manhattan's Restaurant.

Playing trumpet in church as a youngster, Jones enjoyed improvising on gospel music and at the same time studied classical trumpet. He has continued his musical education, studying for a master's degree in jazz trumpet at Rutger's University in New Jersey.

Jones, 24, whose swift, smooth touch has been compared to Clifford Brown and Dizzy Gillespie, has toured and recorded with jazz stars including Charles Fambrough, Gerald Wilson, Kenny Barron, and Sophisticated Ladies, and also has toured in the brass section of soul bands the Temptations, and the Four Tops.

He performs at 9 tonight at Manhattan's Restaurant, 1516 Adams St. Admission is $8. Information: 419-243-6675.