Harriet Tubman

In '98 drummer J.T. Lewis, guitarist Brandon Ross and bassist Melvin Gibbs formed a band with meaning. Named after the heroic African-American who risked her life to escape slavery and help over 300 others, Harriet Tubman is inspired by the ideals of freedom. The band count Hendrix, Ornette Coleman, and P-Funk as contributors to its musical DNA. Lewis, Ross and Gibbs have collaborated with artists as diverse as Cassandra Wilson, Living Colour, Lou Reed, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Arrested Development and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Harriet Tubman contributes to the pioneering spirit of jazz, re-contextualising musical technology to create innovative compositions which are essential to the African-American tradition. In essence, Harriet Tubman fuses soul, rock, jazz, blues, and avant-garde.

"The seismically intense New York-based trio Harriet Tubman has been relying on a combination of skill and instinct since its founding 20 years ago. And the approach has come to fruition on The Terror End Of Beauty, the troupe's latest release on Sunnyside." - DownBeat

"Harriet Tubman... is about to release a remarkable fourth album, "Araminta" - New York Times

"Song You Need to Know: Harriet Tubman, 'Redemption Song'. (The) Genre-bridging NYC power trio brings out "anthemic melancholy" in the Bob Marley classic." - Rolling Stone.

Harriet Tubman
Brandon Ross - guitar/banjo/vocal
Melvin Gibbs - electric bass
Chris Eddleton - drums