Biography
Originating from the San Francisco vicinity, Harvey Wainapel rose to prominence as one of his era’s most gifted and adaptable jazz saxophonists, excelling foremost on soprano while also demonstrating strong command of alto and tenor. He began with foundational studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, then devoted the second half of the 1970s to refining his skills across multiple European settings, among them a stint as lead alto and featured soloist in the Frankfurt-based German Radio Big Band. After coming back to the United States he spent ten months on the road with Ray Charles, then made the Bay Area his base in 1982 and went on to collaborate with McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, Johnny Coles, and Billy Hart. His debut as a leader, At Home/On the Road, appeared in 1992; three years afterward came Ambrosia: The Music of Kenny Barron, cut in Europe with both the Dutch National Orchestra and a Brazilian octet. He joined Joe Lovano’s ensemble for touring engagements in 1996.
Albums
