Album Notes

JHP shares these stats: debut CD, Just Say So, was released October, 2008; picked up by a distributor November, 2008; national distribution and campaign began January 6, 2009; with week ending January 26, 2009, JHP hit the jazz chart, JazzWeek, coming in at #48.

The John Harden Project (JHP) is the creation of John Harden II from Indianapolis, Indiana. While the foundation of the project's sound is deeply rooted in jazz, it is in no way limited to performing jazz. JHP embraces jazz, nu-jazz and fusion in creating their style of the art. The music at times is aggressive, edgy, calming, mellow, groovin' and at other times swings like there is no tomorrow. Their influences are from Miles Davis to Heat Wave; Carlos Santana to Sonny Stitt. Like artists are Joshua Redman, Jill Scott, Russell Gunn and Erykah Badu to John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald and Sonny Rollins.

John graduated from the University of Louisville's Jamey Aebersold Jazz studies program in 2006. It was at this jazz studies program that allowed him to receive lessons with artists such as Eric Alexander, Rufus Reid and Tim Armacost. He also attended clinics ran by the Heath Brothers, David Baker, Dave Liebman, John Hendricks, Nicholas Payton, Bud Shank and more. John additionally had the pleasure of studying with Delfeayo Marsalis for one and one-half years while attending the school. "Delfeayo always had his own way of putting things in the right perspective". John also credits big brother figures, Grey Mayfield, Jerry Tolson and Dave Clark who guided and took him in.

The newly released self-titled debut CD, Just Say So, has created a local to regional buzz and is gaining momentum. JHP has performed at major and prestigious events like Indy Parks, Jazz in the Parks; Madame Walker Theatre; Governor's Mansion; Wine Tasting with Mario Andretti; Horizon Concert Series; The Arts Garden; Indiana Historical Center; Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon; 100.9 Smooth Jazz Concert Series; Indianapolis Museum of Arts; Blues, Jazz & Rib Fest for the City of Marion; Guest Saxophonist at a benefit for Richard (Kush) Griffith in Kentucky and more.