Harry Spencer Trio
Sunday, May 18th at 4:00 p.m.
The Harry Spencer Trio is a low-volume, high-energy combo that performs original jazz standards and favorites for jazz enthusiasts of all ages. The group has performed at outdoor concerts, night clubs, private parties and banquets for more than 20 years. The trio features Harry Spencer on alto saxophone, Val Dobson on organ, and Greg Adams on drums. Vocalist Janina also performs with the group and other musicians often augment the trio.
Spencer was born in New York City and studied music theory and ear training at the Manhattan School of Music with well-known pianist Lenny Tristano. He grew up in Harlem under the tutelage of some of the jazz greats and, as a young musician, used to jam with Al Foster, Eddie Gomez, Billy Gardiner, Rene McLean and Charles Tolliver. He was a member of Sun Ra's Arkestra in the early 1970s and worked with several Afro-Cuban bands before moving to Wilmington in 1980. As a freelance musician, he has performed at Caesar's Palace in Atlantic City and with Dizzy Gillespie at the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Wilmington. He has also recorded for commercials and backed up a heavy metal rock band. In addition to managing his own trio, Spencer teaches at the Grand Opera House School of Music, composes, and has a band that plays improvised music.
Heavily influenced by Latin music and bebop, Spencer says he follows no single style. "My music evolves with time. It's always moving. My music is people music--music everyone can relate to," he explains
