From the first note it was kismet. Bennie reciprocated by asking Curtis to join his group, the well known Reading, PA band “The Groove Masters” which specializes in Funk, R&B & Smooth Jazz. Both musicians recognized that there was something special happening here that deserved expanded avenues of exploration.
Quickly thereafter, Harmon & Sims developed a style of playing that would later become a signature in their song writing projects as well. A way of distinctly pushing the edges of the smooth jazz genre into powerful and aggressive directions. They’ve been
playing and writing together ever since, now nearly eighteen years. You can hear some of their work on later “Pieces Of A Dream” cds.
After being fundamental members in the formation of a number of groups with other musicians over the years, “New Foundation” was formed to showcase the vision and talent that Harmon and Sims have honed over these many years of collaboration. “New Foundation” is all the passion and skills that got Harmon and Sims to the pinnacle of this profession, set on a stellar new stage.
Bennie Sims is a renowned bassist, singer, band leader and composer. Bennie started out with a line of successful local bands, gaining experience to build his musical career. He has written over 300 songs ranging from jazz to funk, hip-hop to
rock & roll and beautiful ballads.
His skills have taken him to 14 different countries performing with many well know artists, including: Al Jareau, Angela Bofill, Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, The Spinners, The Temptations, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Trammps, Dizzy Gillespie,
Toots Thielman, Rick Derringer, Rita Coolidge, Frank McCombs, BeBe Wynans, Tower of Power, Pieces Of A Dream, Ray Parker, Jr., Tavares and The Three Degrees.
“From the moment I remember hearing music it wasn’t good enough to just listen to it, I wanted to play it!” Growing up poor, it wasn’t possible for Bennie to get an instrument until the age of 15 when he took a job at JC Penney as a stock boy. He saved his money and bought himself a bass for Christmas, he was in his first band after 6 months of practicing. Bennie is self taught but did take theory and upright bass lessons later in his life. Through the experiences of being in so many varied musical situations Bennie learned to read, write, arrange and produce music of almost any genre.
Through years of studio work Bennie has developed a keen sense when it comes to mixing and mastering music. “Now I’m being hired to play bass, be a music director and an engineer, who’d have ever imagined that!”
Curtis Harmon started at the age of 8 studying drums, by the age of 12 he was playing professionally with his father’s group. While attending Ada Lewis Middle School in Philadelphia, PA, he was a member of the school jazz band and met Cedric Napolean and James Lloyd, who along with Curtis became known as the group Pieces Of A Dream.
Other than playing drums for the past 39 years, he also had training in Latin and African percussion and does background vocals. He has recorded with Grover Washington Jr., Regina Belle, George Duke, Lenny White, Maurice White & a host of
other world renown artists.
His performing career has enabled him to share the stage with such performers as Chaka Khan, Angela Bofill, the late Phyllis Hyman, George Benson, Grover Washington Jr., Phil Perry whom he still performs with, Count Bassie, Sarah Vaughn, Mercer Ellington, Nancy Wilson & the list goes on.
He is the 3rd generation of musicians in his family. Grandson of the late Curtis C. Harmon who was a pianist, vibist & music professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, and son of Daniel C. Harmon who is a vibist and currently manages “Pieces”.
Curtis’ interests are: sports, movies, working out, cars and travel. He is an avid pool shooter and is in the top 20% of shooters in Philadelphia’s A. P. A. League.
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