VINCENT HERRING

“His chops are as imposing as ever… in his phrasing, the breath between notes, the sly statements and expressive nuance of how he sings through his sax… You can feel his sense of conviction and exhilaration.”

– Jazz Times

Saxophonist Vincent Herring’s intense, soulful, multi-noted style and ebullient swing have excited audiences worldwide. On stage, Herring and his band produce an incendiary sound over fine and controlled rhythms of modern times.

His latest release is Bird at 100 (Smoke Sessions Records), a celebration of Charlie Parker, featuring the legendary talents of Bobby Watson and Gary Bartz, as well as Herring’s regular collaborators pianist David Kikoski, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Carl Allen.

Vincent started playing saxophone at the age of 11 in school bands and studying privately at Dean Frederick’s School of Music in Vallejo, CA. But his musical education really got a kick start when he moved to New York City in the early 80s for college, and began playing on the streets of Manhattan.

“Man, I sure got into a lot of trouble in those days but my goal was to learn how to play music. We played on the street for the experience of learning songs and interacting with a band…invaluable experience. You play all day, you go home at night and you practice.”

Vincent first toured Europe and the United States with Lionel Hampton’s big band in the early 1980s. He continued to develop his musicianship working with Nat Adderley, a partnership blossomed that continued for nine years. Along the way he has worked and/or recorded with Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Hayes, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the Horace Silver Quintet, Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition, Larry Coryell, Steve Turre, the Mingus Big Band, Kenny Barron, Nancy Wilson, Dr. Billy Taylor, Carla Bley, and John Hicks.

Vincent has appeared as guest soloist with many artists and ensembles, including Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center and John Faddis with the Carnegie Hall Big Band. While amassing these impressive credentials, he continued to develop his own voice and style. Inspired by diverse musical influences, Vincent is also involved in jazz education and is currently on the faculty of William Patterson University. He conducts master classes and jazz workshops at conservatories and universities around the world.