Roy Hargrove's THE RH FACTOR

When jazz risked being boxed into tradition or abstraction, Roy Hargrove assembled a collective that reflected the full breadth of Black musical expression.

Drawing from jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and funk, The RH Factor emerged at the turn of the millennium as a defining statement of its era. It was rhythm-forward, harmonically rich, and unapologetically contemporary. And with the release of Hard Groove in 2003, the vision resulted in a cultural revolution.

Featuring collaborators such as D'Angelo, Q-Tip, Common, Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, and a multigenerational ensemble of notable improvisers and groove architects, the album resonated far beyond jazz circles. It was music built for movement and meditation – expansive on record, electrifying on stage.

The band has toured extensively  performing at major festivals and venues in the US, Europe and Asia and has released two more works: the EP Strength followed by the album Distractions in 2006. 

Under the stewardship of Roy’s wife, Aida Brandes-Hargrove and Roy Hargrove Legacy, a company she founded and runs with his daughter, Kamala Hargrove, The RH Factor returns not as nostalgia, but as affirmation. 

Original members reunite to carry forward Roy’s spirit and unmistakable groove. The lineup includes Keith Anderson, Jason JT Thomas, Todd Parsnow and Bobby Sparks who were part of the earliest formation of The RH Factor that eventually led to “Hard Groove”. Also returning are Reggie Washington and Willie Jones III, both featured on the group’s debut album and long time band members Bruce Williams, Jason Marshall and Roy’s brother Brian Hargrove, plus new addition Wayne Tucker. Last, but not least the group features Renee Neufville, one of the defining voices associated with the group’s signature sound. For their first reunion show at North Sea Jazz Festival’s 50th anniversary they were joined by former band mate Jon Batiste.

This reunion brings Roys musical vision powerfully back to life.