Winard Harper is considered one of the most exciting and innovative drummers in jazz, leading a group that mixes bebop with African rhythms. Equally at home with sticks, brushes or mallets, Harper is both a gifted soloist and rock-solid sideman, and he has surrounded himself with some outstanding young musicians. Trumpeter Josh Evans already is generating considerable attention at a young age, receiving the Outstanding Soloist Award from DownBeat Magazine and most recently winning the Wynton Kelly Award. Others in the group include saxophonist Brian Horton, pianist TW Sample, bassist Ameen Saleem and African percussionist Alioune Faye from Senegal.

Harper is best known to Chicago audiences for his appearances with The Harper Brothers Quintet, Dr. Billy Taylor and the group’s blockbuster appearance at last year’s Chicago Jazz Festival. He also has worked regularly with Dexter Gordon, Betty Carter and Wycliffe Gordon, in addition to many guest appearances.

Harper’s latest album Come IntoThe Light, which was recorded live at Cecil’s, a popular New Jersey jazz club, captures some of the vitality and excitement of the group’s live performance. Like the great Art Blakey, Winard Harper mixes standards and originals in a hard bop groove, often reminding listeners of a combination of Max Roach and Blakey.

The Jazz Showcase is located at 312 West Grand Avenue and can be reached at 312-670-2473. Tickets for the Winard Harper Sextet are $20 and $25. the club’s website has more information at www.jazzshowcase.com.