Adrian Harpham

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Adrian Harpham is an American songwriter, producer and freelance session drummer who has worked with many notable music artists in many different genres.

Contents

[edit] Background

Born in Los Angeles, Harpham was raised in Philadelphia and Boston. His mother is Chinese and Peruvian and his father is of English/ Czech descent. After several failed attempts at learning the violin, viola, piano and guitar, Harpham started playing drums at 14. By age 16, he was studying privately with jazz drummer Alan Dawson in Boston. After finishing high school, Harpham attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and immersed himself heavily in jazz, funk, and fusion music. While studying at Berklee, Harpham became a professional musician and starting playing with local groups, including the rhythm and blues / soul band Tavares, the funk saxophonist Myanna, alternative rock band Letters to Cleo, and Bruce Bartlett.

[edit] New York music scene

In 1994, Harpham moved to New York City and quickly became very active in the busy club circuit. In early 1995, Harpham went on tour with blue band Popa Chubby to support their Epic Records 550 Music release. Following the tour, Harpham auditioned for newly-signed rock singer Patti Rothberg. Harpham performed on her debut EMI release Between the 1 and the 9. At the same time as this recording, Harpham began touring the US with the avant-funk-jazz rock band Screaming Headless Torsos, led by guitar virtuoso David Fiusczynski. This would be the beginning of an on-and-off association with Fiusczynski in various projects.

[edit] Touring with Patti Rothberg

In 1996, Patti Rothberg's record came out and Harpham toured with her for an entire year, playing all the major rock festivals in the US and opening tours for the Black Crowes, the Wallflowers, Midnight Oil, and Chris Isaak. Rothberg and Harpham made television appearances on The Tonight Show and The David Letterman Show in the U.S, VH1 Unplugged in the United Kingdom, MuchMusic in Canada, and numerous programs in Europe.

In 1997, Adrian returned home from the road and resumed performing with Ruben Wilson and Ruth Gerson, touring Italy three times with various TV appearances. Interspersed with these tours were sideline appearances with the legendary songwriters Bob Neuwirth, Chip Taylor and Jeff Muldaur. In 1998, Adrian toured again with noted songwriter Billy Mann in the US in support of his record Earthbound on A&M Records. Extensive gigging on the oldies circuit followed with appearances with The Shirelles, The Crystals , The Chiffons, The Coasters, Billy J Kramer and Lou Christie.

[edit] Return to Alternative music and R&B/Soul

In 1999, Harpham started moving back to rock and alternative music. He began extensive rehearsal with British singer/songwriter Leona Naess, eventually performing around the US and recording the track "NY Baby" for the Comatised album on MCA records. Harpham also recorded a few tracks for Imani Copolla's second release for Sony Music Come and Get Me ..What? In 2000, Adrian left Leona Naess and began working with poet Carl Hancock Rux, Imani Coppolla in her live band, and rhythm and blues / Hip hop supergroup Lucy Pearl. Harpham made many European TV appearances with Lucy Pearl and also appeared on Later with Jools Holland in the US.

[edit] Los Angeles and New York

In 2002, Harpham moved to Los Angeles and found his way into the songwriter scene and the underground hip hop scene. He worked with Adam Cohen, Julian Coryell, Fran Banish, Kari Nelson, Tre Hardson, Coolio, Leo Nocentelli, Rhythm Room Allstars, and Fannie Franklin. Harpham also produced and co-wrote the track "Good Love" by Donica for the Red Stars and Sounds, (the B sides-def jam) compilation, and music for the film trailer of the foreign film Vidas Privada.

[edit] 2004 to present

In 2003, Harpham returned to New York and promptly resumed working with many East Coast artists, including Marlon Saunders, Adam Falcon, Jen Chapin, and Mary Fahl. In 2004, Harpham started a three-year run with the electro funk outfit Chromeo, touring the United Kingdom, US, Canada, Australia, and Spain. He can be heard on the title track of their current album Fancy Footwork. 2007 also saw Adrian performing extensively w/ alternative R&B singer, Amel Larrieux -formerly of Groove Theory. He appears on her current release, "Lovely Standards".

[edit] External links

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