Bill Harris, a Washington, DC jazz fan, is Bill Harris. He is listed in Washingtonian Magazine as “Best of Jazz in DC”, and was the winner of Hennessy Cognac’s “Best of DC Jazz Competition”. He has performed at many venues including the Smithsonian and Blues Alley, Blues Alley, Washingtonian Magazine’s “Best of Jazz in DC”, the World Bank, IMAX JAZZ Cafe in Los Angeles, Snug Harbor, New Orleans, and many jazz festivals. Bill was the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History IMAX Jazz Cafe’s musical director. This helped to launch its inaugural year. His compact discs “Invitation”, Solo One”, “Encompass Quartet”, (Albert Heath is featured) as well as “Holiday Improvisations”, have received high praise. Bill Harris, originally from Long Island NY, has lived in the DC metropolitan area since 1965. In 1963, he began piano lessons in Acton MA. He continued his studies with many teachers, including John Eaton and Les Karr. Barry Harris, jazz legend, taught him jazz piano master classes in New York City. Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan and Reuben Brown were Bill’s major influences, as well as jazz legends Barry Harris, Fred Hersch (Fred Hersch), Fred Hersch, Cedar Walton and Hank Jones. from http://www.dcjazz.com
