Jason Harnell

Jason Harnell is a world-renowned jazz drummer, educator, and composer whose unmistakable sound, boundless creativity, and enthusiasm have made him one of the leading innovators in jazz drumming today. Born into a musical family, he began playing at age six when close family friend and legendary drummer Louie Bellson gave him his first drum set.

A mainstay on the Los Angeles jazz scene for more than 25 years, Harnell has performed, recorded, and toured with many of the world’s top jazz artists, including Larry Goldings, Larry Koonse, Alan Ferber, Bob Sheppard, Adam Benjamin, Matt Otto, Walter Smith III, Joe Bagg, Kei Akagi, Darek Oles, and Maynard Ferguson. He also co-leads and records with three critically acclaimed original groups: JoE-LeSS ShOe, 3-ish, and GO SHLOMO!

An in-demand drum set educator, Harnell has been on the faculty of UC Irvine’s Department of Music for more than 12 years and also teaches at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. He has presented clinics and master classes at CalArts, USC, University of Nevada, Reno, University of Kansas, UCLA, CSU Northridge, and Cuesta College.

Harnell has been featured in national publications such as Modern Drummer, DRUM, Jazziz, and DownBeat. His playing can be heard in film scores for Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar, Judd Apatow’s Funny People, and Ridley Scott’s American Gangster. He also maintains a monthly residency at the Baked Potato in Studio City.

As a mentor, Harnell has guided numerous students who have gone on to professional careers, including Curtis Marrero, who tours with the band Milo Greene and has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and Conan, and Jacob Wendt, who leads ensembles and performs widely throughout Los Angeles.

Harnell endorses Yamaha Drums, Istanbul Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks. More information is available at jasonharnell.com