Horacee Arnold was born September 25, 1937 in Wayland, Kentucky.
At age 13, Horacee first hears Charlie Parker in Louisville Kentucky with the famous Massey Hall quintet as part the Norman Granz tour. Of the experience Horacee says “I was so impressed I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Little did I know that I was being courted by the music and that band. That I would grow up to become a jazz musician and I would play with three of the members of that band (Bud Powell, Charlie Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie) and to be mentored by the fourth – Max Roach was nowhere close to my thinking.”Arnold first began playing drums in 1957 in Los Angeles while he was in the United States Coast Guard.
Charles Mingus
After returning from military service, Horacee began seriously studying the drums and soon began working in bands in the area from Louisville to Indianapolis. At this time, he began performing as “Horacee” and joined a big band led by composer and trombonist David Baker.
He also played with Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Charles Mingus that year.
Max Roach came to Louisville once again this time with his own band composed of Booker Little, Clifford Jordan, Julian Preister and Art Davis. At the end of his first night’s performance I introduced myself. He was very gracious and accepted my invitation to dinner at my home where he became acquainted with my family. Before leaving he invited me to his rehearsal which I gladly accepted. When I arrived at the rehearsal space he ask me to sit in. I did, and at the end of my sit in he and the band gave me a big smile which I accepted as approval. I recall Booker Little’s smile and comment “A little Max Roach.” Before leaving Louisville, Max privately shared with me some of his technical approaches to the instrument, as well as an explanation of his concept.
Arnold joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance company on a four-month Asian tour under the auspices of the U.S. State Department. While on tour in Asia, Arnold received a call from Oscar Goodstein the manager of the famous Birdland jazz club, requesting that he join the U.S. return of the Bud Powell Trio.
Horacee joined the legendary jazz pianist Bud Powell for the New York return opening at Birdland, an experience he calls “The most spectacular point my career”. “I found it difficult to believe music could reach that level of excellence and creativity, in many ways, indescribable. I had been hoping for this kind of experience for some time.”
Based on experiences and exposure gained on the Alvin Ailey Asian tour, Arnold was eager to explore other musical styles, in different meters, rhythms, and percussive techniques and how to incorporate them without losing the essence of the jazz characteristics or sound. The music of Burma, India, and Africa were foremost in mind.
During the following years, Arnold studied composition with Hy Gubernick, Heiner Stadler and guitar with his close friend Ralph Towner.
Arnold worked with Kenny Dorham, Richard Davis, and Chick Corea with whom he later recorded three albums.
Chick Corea formed the Return to Forever Band (originally Chick Corea, Horacee Arnold and Stanley Clark, later expanded to include Joe Farrell on tenor sax and flute and Bill Connors on guitar).Horacee became a member of the Stan Getz Quartet.
Horacee records his first album, “Tribe” on the Columbia label. It features David Friedman, George Mraz, Joe Farrell, Billy Harper, Ralph Towner and Ralph MacDonald.
Arnold’s music publishing company Nupenza Music was formed.
He was received grants from the NEA, CAPS, Ford Foundation, Thelma Hill Foundation and Meet the Composer. Arnold was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation grant that allowed him to form and work extensively with a quartet that included Sam Rivers, Reggie Workman and David Friedman.
Mr. Arnold recorded “Tales of the Exonerated Flea“ which received a five star rating from Down Beat and Rolling Stone magazines and featured Ralph Towner, Art Webb, Rick Laird, Dave Bash Johnson, George Mraz, Sonny Fortune, John Abercrombie, Clint Houston, Jan Hammer Moog, David Friedman and Dom Um Romão.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Chick Corea’s “IS” albums on the Blue Note label.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Chick Corea’s “Sundance” album on the Simitar Entertainment label.
Horacee formed a three drummer ensemble called Colloquium III with Billy Hart and Freddie Waits. Colloquium III featured three drummers as the focal point, playing compositions that were written exclusively for three drummers playing specific melodic/rhythmic compositions.
Sonny Fortune released his “Serengeti Minstrel” album, which featured the duo of Horacee Arnold and Jack DeJohnette recording together for the second time.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Billy Harper’s “Soran Bushi B.H.” album on the Denon label.
Horacee appeared as artist and composer on Mickey Tucker’s “Sweet Lotus Lips” album on the Denon label.
Horacee appeared as a featured artist on Billy Harper’s album “The Awakening” on the Marge label.
Horacee began an influential teaching career at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey where he taught future John Scofield drummer Bill Stewart.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Billy Harper’s “Billy Harper Quintet in Europe” album on the Soul Note label.
While teaching at Drummers Collective, Horacee met and was engaged to personally tutor future Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun. Horacee and Will’s relationship developed into one of mentorship and lifelong friendship.
Horacee performed a number of drum clinics for Yamaha Drums.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Gust Tsilis’ album “Pale Fire” on the Enja label.
Horacee appeared as a featured artist on Chick Corea’s “Converge” album on the West Wind label.
Arnold joined the Dizzy Gillespie tour in Cuba for the Havana Jazz Festival.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on ENSONIQ Records’ DP/4 with Grover Washington and John Blake.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Norman Hedman’s album “Flight of the Spirit” on the Monad label.
Horacee appears as a featured artist on Billy Harper’s “Somalia” album on the Evidence label.
The Horacee Arnold Quartet performs at William Patterson University. Joining Horacee are Buster Williams, Marcus Strickland and Vic Juris.
Horacee begins teaching at the New School for Social Research in NYC.
The Horacee Arnold Quartet performs at William Patterson University. Joining Horacee are Brandon McCune, Vic Juris and Buster Williams.
Horacee records the “All Times Are In It” album featuring Buster Williams, Vic Juris, Antoine Roney, George Colligan and Gregoire Moret.
The Horacee Arnold Quartet performs at William Patterson University. Joining Horacee are Brandon McCune, Vic Juris, Sonny Fortune and Rufus Reid.