Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Author
ON THE MOVE!
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Larry Willis recently returned from sold out performances in China and Russia that culminated with concerts in Italy.
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On April 4th, Willis was featured at the Apollo Theater for "A Great Night in Harlem" honoring Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennet and Hugh Masekela.
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On April 29th, Willis was featured at the Prague International Jazz Festival in the Czech Republic.
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LARRY WILLIS has appeared on more than 400 albums, with more than 20 recordings as a leader. He has been nominated twice for GRAMMY awards. At age 19 he was discovered and recruited by saxophonist JACKIE MCLEAN, and made his jazz recording debut on McLean's Blue Note release, RIGHT NOW! The album also included two of Willis's compositions. From that auspicious start, Willis went on to play with jazz greats such as DIZZY GILLESPIE, WOODY SHAW, CANNONBALL ADDERLEY, STAN GETZ, CARMEN MCRAE and SHIRLEY HORN. Willis and his longtime friend, the late HUGH MASAKELA, toured together around the U.S. a few years ago playing to sold out crowds. Willis heads his own band HEAVY BLUE.
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Larry Willis is the recipient of several awards, including Benny Golson Jazz Masters, Don Redman Heritage, Johnny Pacheco Distinguished Artist, Vera Vita per il Jazz, Brass Group Trepani.
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Nominated three times for a Grammy award, High Note recording artist, Larry Willis is currently recording, composing, teaching and performing internationally.
Larry Willis will begin another recording project with High Note Spring 2019.
