Avery Sharpe is an American jazz double-bassist, electric bassist, composer, educator and founder of the artist owned record label, JKNM Records, back in 1993. Sharpe has a distinguished percussive and rhythmic approach on double bass and is something to see in live performances. He incorporates the Hum-a-long bass technique, popularized by Leroy “Slam” Stewart and Major “Mule” Holly, into his playing. Sharpe was first bought to prominence by tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp and drummer Art Blakey, but is best known for his longtime association with Piano Jazz Legend McCoy Tyner from 1980-2003. He recorded some 20 plus records with Tyner.
Early Life
Sharpe's first instrument was the piano, which he started playing at eight years old. His mother, Evelyn was a pianist and choir director in the Church of God in Christ and she gave lessons to Sharpe, as well as to his 7 other siblings. Sharpe also studied the accordion, in his youth and ultimately the electric bass. While attending the University of Massahusetts, Sharpe studied double bass with Reggie Workman. While at UMASS, he also studied with Max Roach, Archie Shepp, Horace Boyer and Fred Tillis. He played the double and electric bass in gospel, funk, rock groups, jazz band and orchestra, while there.
Biography
He has also played as a sideman with Archie Shepp, Yusef Lateef, Ricky Ford, Joe Ford, and others. As a leader, he has released on Sunnyside Records, and several albums on his own label, JKNM. Avery Sharpe has multiple roles at Williams College, as an Artist Associate and Jazz Coach. Sharpe also serves additional roles at Williams College; as Faculty Advisor for the Williams Gospel Choir and as affiliation with the Africana Studies department.
Personal Life
Sharpe’s parents James and Evelyn Sharpe had 8 children and Avery is number 6. He married his high School sweetheart Cheryl after college and they have 4 Children. He is a health enthusiast and has promoted Vegan/plant based lifestyle and physical training since 1977.
Compositions
In 1989, he wrote and conducted the soundtrack for the movie An Unremarkable Life. In the 1990s, Sharpe was commissioned by Fideleo to write three extended works. In 2004, Sharpe wrote a musical portrait for the stage for Chamber Music Plus. Sharpe, are featured in the stage production of Raisin’ Cane. Sharpe’s composition “January in Brazil’ is on McCoy Tyner’s Grammy award winning big band album “Journey” Sharpe has been commissioned by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions. Sharpe debuted his six-movement piece America’s Promise with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. In 2006, Sharpe was commissioned to write a Concerto for Jazz Trio and Orchestra, which premiered in 2007 with Kevin Eubanks on acoustic guitar.
400: An African American Musical Portrait
Sharpe released an album in 2019 titled "400: An African American Musical Portrait," which is in reference to the 400th anniversary of the first African slaves were brought to Jamestown, Virginia in 1619 by the Dutch. The album utilizes many styles, to feature the African American musical tradition.
