About

Henry Spencer is an authentic and sophisticated voice as a drummer, arranger, and composer whose work is steeped in a deep love for the jazz tradition. A born-and-raised New Yorker, Henry grew up only two blocks from the Village Vanguard – where, in addition to the city’s other legendary clubs, he spent countless evenings within spitting distance of his heroes, absorbing and falling in love with the music. He’s currently earning his undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies from USC’s Thornton School of Music, but even before attending college was collecting accolades: University of Miami awarded him their Presidential Scholarship in 2023; in 2022, he performed in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s 25th Anniversary Gala with Tony Award-winner Savion Glover, alongside Dionne Warwick, George Clinton, Christian McBride, and Ray Chew; and earlier the same year, Berklee College of Music awarded him their City Music Summer Scholarship, which culminated in his ensemble headlining a night of music in their largest venue, the Berklee Performance Center.

Henry’s teachers and peers regard him as a deeply musical drummer and a keen listener. He strives to always serve the music and the sound of the band over all else, regardless of setting or genre. Henry is particularly inspired by the playing of drummers such as Elvin Jones, Brian Blade, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, Gregory Hutchinson, and his private teacher at USC, Clarence Penn. He has deep knowledge of artists and recordings from both foundational and modern jazz – favorite among them Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Brad Mehldau, and Joshua Redman – and while indeed jazz has his heart, Henry can often be found flirting with folk, funk, R&B, and indie- and alt-rock music.