Vincent Herring (Ep. 41): The Fiery Soul of Modern Jazz
Episode 41 Executive Summary
Vincent Herring is a towering figure in modern jazz, celebrated as a fiery and technically brilliant alto saxophonist, flautist, bandleader, and composer. Deeply rooted in the hard bop tradition, his soulful style is heavily influenced by his idol, the legendary Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. Herring's journey in music began at age 11, leading him through formal studies and a formative period as the lead alto saxophonist for the US Military Academy Band's "Jazz Knights." This foundation launched a career defined by both exceptional leadership and prestigious collaborations.
Herring's ascent in the jazz world was marked by significant tenures with iconic musicians. After touring with the Lionel Hampton Big Band, he began a crucial nine-year, nine-album collaboration with Nat Adderley and spent over two decades as a member of Cedar Walton's band. His remarkable musicianship also placed him on stage with a who's who of jazz royalty, including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, and Freddie Hubbard. As a prolific recording artist, Herring has amassed an impressive discography, with over 20 albums as a leader—from his 1989 debut Scene One to 2025's Split Decision—and has contributed to over 250 albums as a sideman.
Beyond his sideman work, Herring has distinguished himself as a dynamic bandleader and visionary. He leads his own quartet and the historical project "Jazz The Story," and he co-founded the acclaimed Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band with drummer Louis Hayes. His notable partnerships include co-leading the powerhouse quintet "The Battle" with saxophonist Eric Alexander and the group Something Else. His dedication to the craft extends to education, where he serves on the faculty at William Paterson University and the Manhattan School of Music. Further cementing his role as a mentor, Herring authored the 2024 book "Logic and Critical Thinking in Jazz Improvisation," sharing his profound insights with the next generation of musicians.
Keywords: Vincent Herring, Alto Saxophone, Jazz, Hard Bop, Modern Jazz, Cannonball Adderley, Nat Adderley, Cedar Walton, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Lionel Hampton, Bandleader, Composer, Jazz Educator, Flautist, Jazz Knights, Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band, The Battle, Eric Alexander, William Paterson University, Manhattan School of Music, Jazz Improvisation, Saxophone Podcast, Jazz History
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Vincent Herring (b. 1964)
├── Overview
│ ├── Roles: Alto Saxophonist, Flautist, Bandleader, Educator, Composer
│ └── Known For: Fiery, soulful, and technically brilliant hard bop style
│
├── Early Life & Education
│ ├── Born: Hopkinsville, KY
│ ├── Musical Start: Age 11, private studies in Vallejo, CA
│ ├── University: Attended California State University, Chico & Long Island University
│ ├── Military Service: US Military Academy Band, "Jazz Knights" (Lead Alto)
│ └── Key Influences: Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Charlie Parker
│
├── Career Highlights
│ ├── Early Gigs
│ │ └── Toured with: Lionel Hampton Big Band
│ ├── Key Collaborations
│ │ ├── Nat Adderley (9 years, 9 albums)
│ │ ├── Cedar Walton (Over 2 decades)
│ │ └── Worked With: Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard
│ ├── Bandleader & Projects
│ │ ├── Leads: Vincent Herring Quartet, "Jazz The Story"
│ │ ├── Co-founder: Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band (with Louis Hayes)
│ │ └── Co-Leader: "The Battle" (with Eric Alexander), Something Else
│ ├── Notable Appearances
│ │ ├── Guest Soloist: Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center
│ │ └── Member: Phil Woods Sax Machine
│ └── Prolific Recording Artist
│ ├── Over 20 albums as a leader
│ └── Over 250 albums as a sideman
│
├── Educator
│ ├── Faculty: William Paterson University & Manhattan School of Music
│ └── Author: "Logic and Critical Thinking in Jazz Improvisation" (Sher Music, 2024)
│
└── Selected Discography (As Leader)
├── Scene One (1989)
├── American Experience (1990)
├── Folklore: Live at the Village Vanguard (1994)
├── The Battle: Live at Smoke (2005)
├── The Uptown Shuffle (2014)
├── Bird at 100 (2019)
├── Preaching to the Choir (2021)
└── Split Decision (2025)
```