Phil Haynes (born 1961 in Hillsboro, Oregon) is an American jazz percussionist and composer.
A veteran artist based in New York for 25 years, Phil Haynes is featured on more than 85 LP, CD, and DVD releases by numerous American and European record labels.àHaynesâ debut, The Paul Smoker TrioâÂÂs QB with Anthony Braxton, was named the #1 recording of 1985 by critic Kevin Whitehead. The international media have compared his drumming to masters Jack DeJohnette, Roy Haynes, + Elvin Jones, and his compositions to Duke Ellington, Charles Ives, Charles Mingus and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Haynes' performances were recently noted to be âÂÂThe perfect middle between tradition and avant-garde, between power and sophistication, between accessibility and adventure. . . standards with a new sense of drama, dynamics, and true moments of fun.âÂÂ
In addition to the critically acclaimed three recordings for Enja Records by the composerâÂÂs collective, "Joint Venture" (w/Paul Smoker, Ellery Eskelin, + Drew Gress), Haynesâ diverse and distinctive dozen recordings as a leader include: "Continuum" (violinist Mark FeldmanâÂÂs jazz debut); the "4 Horns & What?"; his first recording of jazz standards, "A Couch in Brooklyn" (featuring Israeli born pianist Micu Narununsky and bassist Drew Gress); "The Hammond Insurgency" with B-3 organ virtuoso Jeff Palmer; "Free CountryâÂÂs" trilogy of Americana (w/ cellist/vocalist Hank Roberts & guitarist Jim Yanda); the singular solo drum-set recording, "Sanctuary," as well as "No Fast Food," his defining modernist saxophone trio featuring NEA jazz master David Liebman.
Moving to central Pennsylvania in 2003, Haynes founded the nationally noted Jazz@Bucknell chamber series, in 2005, and was subsequently appointed as Bucknell UniversityâÂÂs first Kushell Jazz Artist-in-Residence. From 2007-2012, Haynes taught courses in Jazz History, directed his multi-media/new music Bucknell Interdisciplinary Improvisation Ensemble (BIIE), coached the University Jazz Band rhythm section and soloists, worked with various small ensembles and recitalists, maintained a vigorous private studio, and led the 'Bison Band. Later years featured appointments as interim Director of Jazz Studies for both Susquehanna University, PA, and Nazareth College, NY.
Haynes has performed and recorded with a variety of musicians and artists.
In addition to his "Sanctuary" solo concert presentations + duet performances with David Liebman and Herb Robertson, current Haynes touring ensembles include his: romantic, folk-Americana string band, 'Free Country'ÃÂ (featuring cellist/vocalist Hank Roberts, guitarist Jim Yanda, + bassist Drew Gress); the modernist saxophone trio, 'No Fast Food' (w/bass titan Drew Gress and NEA jazz master David Liebman); as well as the classic piano trio, 'Day Dream' (w/pianist Steve Rudolph & Drew Gress).
With Joint Venture
With Paul Smoker
With Gebhard Ullmann
With others