Donald Harrison
Donald Harrison Jr. (b.
June 23,
1960,
New Orleans, Louisiana) is an
American jazz saxophonist. Harrison played with
Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in the 1980s, and co-led a group with fellow New Orleanian
Terence Blanchard for many years. He also played with the re-formed
Headhunters band in the 1990s. His performance credits include appearances and recordings with many influential jazz musicians. Harrison's records and live performances are in the jazz mainstream, but still manage to incorporate influences from many of the other styles that are prominent in his hometown.
Harrison's father (Donald Harrison, Sr.) was a prominent
Mardi Gras Indian in New Orleans.
Harrison was recently forced to evacuate New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina, and proceeds from his album
Nouveau Swing will go to victims of the hurricanes.