Billy Harper Quintet

Résumés don’t come much more impressive than Billy Harper’s. Born in Houston and a graduate of the University of North Texas, the saxophonist earned slots with Gil Evans, Lee Morgan, Randy Weston, Art Blakey, and even, for one of his last sessions, Louis Armstrong. He forged a career as a leader with extraordinary albums like Capra Black, The Awakening, and the classic Black Saint, the first album on the powerhouse Italian label that took its name. Also a member of supergroup the Cookers, Harper last dazzled Austin in 2022 alongside legendary drummer Andrew Cyrille. It’s simple: Do not miss this. – Michael Toland