by Scott Yanow

An emotional R&B-oriented saxophonist, Everette Harp graduated from North Texas State University and played locally in Houston during 1981-1988, becoming a studio musician. In 1988, he moved to Los Angeles and was soon playing in major R&B bands (including those of Anita Baker, Sheena Easton, and Kenny Loggins). In 1991, Harp toured with George Duke and Marcus Miller, and recorded his debut for Manhattan. In 1992, he toured with Rachelle Ferrell, and two years later his second album (for Blue Note Contemporary) was released; the Marvin Gaye tribute Whats Going On, his contribution to the Blue Note Cover Series, followed in 1997, trailed a year later by Better Days. For the Love was released three years later. The popular Everette Harps background is in gospel and R&B, but he sometimes displays the ability to improvise. He has remained active releasing such albums as For the Love in 2000, All for You in 2004, In the Moment in 2006, and My Inspiration in 2007.