Bio


Ben Harrison is a Melbourne based trumpet player, vocalist and composer. He has studied both classical and jazz music but considers himself a specialist in contemporary improvised music. He performs in a variety of contexts but is now directing his efforts to composing and performing original compositions for various groups.

He attended both the Conservatorium High School and the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in his high school years. During this time he was privileged enough to study with the likes of Judy Bailey, Don Raider, Rob Simms, Eugene Ball and many others.

Upon completion of high school, Ben was accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts improvisation stream. He studied under Scott Tinker, Steve Magnuson, Paul Williamson and Tristram Williams. He completed his degree in 2010.

Recently Ben has been refining both his musical and compositional craft by attending courses (such as CIM in New York), workshops, lessons and everything in-between. He aims to continue his studies at a Post-Graduate level so he can further improve his musical understanding and hopes to one day be a somewhat influential Improviser in the Australian music scene.

Projects

  • Concave

    • Comprising of James Bowers (piano), Sam Zerna (bass), James Mclean (drums), James McCauley (trombone), Tom Noonan (sax)

  • Solo Project

    • Ben has been exploring solo trumpet playing drawing influence from trumpet players such as Arve Henrikson, Scott Tinkler and from solo compositions by various composers.
      
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  • Folder 9

    • This group changes constantly and is focused around free improvisations to different stimuli including stories, words, pictures, instructions, limitations etc.
      
Listen Here!

  • Ben Harrison Quartet

    • The Ben Harrison Quartet comprises of Ben Harrison (trumpet, voice) James Bowers (piano) James McLean (drums) and James Gilligan (bass)

Gigs