Harmonic Time
2026
Painted steel
Location: Baltimore, MD
Harmonic Time commemorates three under-recognized Baltimore jazz musicians of different eras — Elmer Snowden, Ellis Larkins, and Ruby Glover.
This colorful, touchable monument takes inspiration from the way that music connects us across time and space. A counterpoint to traditional “great man” sculptures on pedestals, these open silhouette portraits form a symbolic passage between musical generations, inspiring visitors to play, explore, and find themselves within the continuum of art and history.
The three musicians depicted in Harmonic Time create a trio on rhythm banjo, piano, and vocals across nine decades of Baltimore jazz history:
— Banjo player Elmer Snowden (1898–1973) was a prominent bandleader in the 1920s and 30s who helped launch the careers of Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, Count Basie, and others. Originally a guitarist and reeds player, Snowden first picked up banjo from Baltimore jazz legend Eubie Blake before developing his signature rhythmic playing style.
— Pianist Ellis Larkins (1923–2002) was the first Black student to study at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Best known for his 1950s recordings with Ella Fitzgerald, Larkins’ subtle melodies add nuance to many classic jazz recordings of the era.
— Singer Ruby Glover (1929–2007) grew up in nearby Oldtown. Known as Baltimore’s “Godmother of Jazz,” she dedicated her life to music and to mentoring generations of students in Baltimore schools, Towson University, and Sojourner-Douglass College. Her legacy reverberates through the many musicians she taught, collaborated with, and influenced.
Harmonic Time celebrates this musical continuum and honors the individual contributions of three Baltimore musicians who broke down barriers and inspired future generations.
“As a musician myself, I am inspired by the idea of musical throughlines — how the artists who came before reach across time and genre to influence the music of today.”
Bruce Willen
Artist: Bruce Willen
Fabricator: Gutierrez Studios
Structural engineer: Skarda and Associates
Listen + Watch
🔈 Elmer Snowden & Three Blues Chasers – Nothin’ But Blues (1928)
🔈 Elmer Snowden & Three Blues Chasers – Lame Duck Blues (1928):
🔈 Ella Fitzgerald & Ellis Larkins – I’ve Got a Crush on You (1954)
🔈 Ellis Larkins – Blues in the Night (1952):
📺 Ruby Glover performance on Baltimore cable access (ca. late 1990s?)
📺 The Role of the Banjo in Early Jazz
📺 Smash Your Baggage (1932) Short film featuring Elmer Snowden’s band and some wild proto-breakdancing
📺 Tell Me More and Then Some (2018) Five-part documentary on Baltimore jazz history
