Harvey Wirht based in Jersey City NJ, part of a new generation of drummers with a musical language steeped in the traditional rhythms of the world such as Kaseko, Kawina, Jazz, Gnawa, Bikutsi, Calypso, and Songo. His playing has been described as “effortless syncopated grooving”, “powerful drums”, “organic cooking along a hot simmer”, and an “original and expressive voice”. He has played on over 30 albums, has toured the 5 continents of mother earth and is currently with Grammy Award artist Angelique Kidjo.

Harvey B Wirth was born and raised in Suriname, South America’s multi-cultural paradise. It was there that he started his drum studies at the Suriname Public Music Academy (VMS) under the tutelage of the late Albert Collins. During his formative years Harvey became a member of the VMS symphony orchestra directed by the legendary Eddie Snijders that laid the foundation for his musical career.

After paying his dues Harvey was offered and seized the opportunity to study in the USA at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. He studied under John Ramsey, Joe Hunt and did some private studies with Alan Dawson and Lenny Nelson.

Massachusetts presented Harvey with great musical opportunities such as performing with Phil Wilson's Rainbow band, the Either Orchestra, the Joanne Brackeen trio, Fareed Haque, the Jazz Composers Alliance and John Tchicai to name a few.

the Highlites in performances include the Kyoto jazz festival with Hiro Hunshuku, The Kora awards with Eric Wanaina, the NAACP Awards, the David Letterman show, the Jay lenno show, good morming America and live earth South Africa with Angelique Kidjo.

In the world-fushion scene Wirht was fortunate enough to perform with Hassan Hakmoun, John Benetiz, KJ Denhart, Mango Blue, Malika Zarra, Gino Sitson, Martino Atangana, FraFra Sound, Razia Zaid, Afro Yorkers, Teresa Ines, Sunsteel and many more

HARVEY WIRHT