We recently connected with Emanuel Harrold and have shared our conversation below.

Emanuel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful musical project I’ve worked on is ‘Liquid Spirit’. By Gregory Porter. As our back story starts many year’s prior in pursuit of musical freedom through expression in New York music scene in Harlem at 149th & St Nicks. As there were manny scenes happening early 2000’s, this one was particularly inviting for those wanting to perform on stage on open mic nights with minimum policing. It’s where many took this opportunity being ok to being really good. It was more about the hang , the vibe & the spirit of the moment more than a conservative museum esthetic. With in One Week you could see high levels of african, folk, blues, Hiphop, tap dancing spoken word , instrumental jazz & vocal jazz music. The best part is a lot of these creates live near and around the neighborhood. As first meeting Gregory as. Special guest to actually becoming a member in is band around New York a tedious process of me templating a sound for his voice approach is what I started to develop. Like a chef cooking up a huge stew of many complex ingredients. None overshadowing the other presenting one complete dish. With this said drumming , accompaniment only what was needed and leaving out unnecessary rhythmic components by way polyrhythm’s that are essential in Bebop ect. Over years the musical sound developed, Touring the world , the experiences and stories formed. Finally ‘Liquid Spirit’ was recorded. The one story I remember is being in a small town with Gregory and the band. Went use to hang out a lot together early on. Out exploring, we witnessed a a small stream rerouting going in opposite direction up a hillside. I’ve seen anthony like that before. It was discussed and puzzled us all. Later to be apart of this recording when the first lyric says,’Un reroute the river, let the damned waters free’ in that moment it made since to me that being in this place in time was my road to travel. Minimalist as I can draw from, hand claps, tambourine, soul and boogaloo rhythms is what my offering for this moment. I was happy to see that this album did when Grammy for best vocal jazz of the year.

Emanuel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Harrold continue to raise the bar with gracing the stage, recording and collaborating with likes of Damon Alburn, Gregory Porter, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, De La Soul, & Keyon Harrold.
When you think of Forward, Emanuel Harrold name comes to mind. Fashion, community, Music and Love.. Emanuel family music legacy stands 3 generations plus of musicians. If you enjoy artist such as Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin Max Roach, Miles Davis, and soulful motivational music Harrold likes it too..

Born into the artistry of music by way of Stlouis Mo USA. Harrold is no stranger to be apart of projects receiving Grammy awards and selling millions of records and digital streams. Emanuel’s Father being a pastor whilst growing up,  the appetite for singing & playing instruments grew. There were many musical outlets being his Grand father’s  Memorial Lancers Drum and Bugle Corp, Church gatherings & Family reunions.  Harrold did not seriously pursue drumming until after High School. In Stlouis, Emanuel was involved with Off Broadway musicals with The Black Repertory Theater, traditional Jazz & local Gospel scenes. Harrold is self taught musician and inspired by many great people on his musical journey to date. He is a graduate of the The New School, A University in New York. Harrold has performed or recorded in no specific order with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Robert Glasper, Ronnie Mathews, Keyon Harrold, Damon Auburn, John Hicks, James Spaulding, Shedrick Mitchell, Marcus Strickland, Stevie Wonder,  Kidz in The Hall, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Ben La Uncle Soul, Gregory Porter,Ambrose Akinmusire, Revive The Live  Big Band, Jonathan  Baptiste , Keyon Harrold, Laura Mvula to many other great amazing musicians.  Emanuel is currently involved in community www.mySAH.org in his home town of St, Louis in Ferguson. Emanuel has created jobs through commercial cleaning company bringing focus hiring, influencing and teaching skills needed in his own community. You can hear Harrold most recent drumming contribution on Gregory Porters ‘All Rise’ , ‘Still Rising’ and soon to come his own soon to be released Album Titled ‘We Da People’ ft many notable artist such as Malcolm-Jamal Warner , Gregory Porter , Saunders Sermons II (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Jermaine Holmes ( D’Angelo), Shereef Keys, & Chrystal & Charles Ransom II. Be on the Look Out for his EP. ‘Funk La Soul’ to real august 2022 in conjunction with Gear Box Records UK. Currently Emanuel is apart of a collaborative new project ‘Brooklyn Saint’ along side Shareeff Keyes. Dont miss this opportunity to discover a fresh new act in the indie, Hiphop, jazz alternative space.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As being a creative, I thrive from experiences, inspiration, moments in time, travel , special events and milestone accomplishments. As sometimes this lifestyle isn’t identical to a normal blue collar or 9 to 5 that includes clocking in and out having a consistent daily, weekly, seasonal routine. Unless in more classical, theater or more organized productions, being a creative is absolute abstract. We don’t have the normal hours, deadlines and schedule vacations. Those of us that travel , sleep, meals, social schedules are all shifted so to time changes, show times and what is actually av after an engagement. The important goal for a creative is to minimize writers block, personal/social burn outs and the biggest thing when returning home if you have love ones, connecting like you never left with out bring home ptsd and traumatized moments spent while working abroad to provide for your love ones. Being a creative sometimes is the un orthodox side of the coin. With persistence, you can definitely level and stay on achieving happiness with consistent discipline.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As being a creative I am also a Dad and entrepreneur. As am away from home see frequent, communication has had to become my dependency. Running and business band caring for family abroad has lots a shifts and turns. Needs and expectations. What you out in these relationships and responsibilities I’ve found that’s what you eventually get back from them. My goal has always ending to plant the seed, water, tend, nurture, reset and repeat for best results. There isn’t a right or wrong way. To be present, empathetic & empowering has help me along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emanuelharrold.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emanuelharrold?igsh=MTdpbTd2NW9hZzcwcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmanuelHarroldFM
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanuel-harrold-180577223?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@emanuelharrold399?si=gTRAgQcPwgl-oE6v
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/tB8F6VMsnjwi1MtF7
• Other: New project, Brooklyn Saint , https://brooklyn_saint.bandzoogle.com/

Image Credits

anoush abrar, @anoushabrar