Interview with Vincent Herring
The final section of this interview offers Vincent philosophy regarding teaching as well as a discussion of sections of his book: Logic and Critical Thinking in Jazz Improvisation. He talks about the environment for young jazz players today to develop their craft and the nature of the recording industry as it pertains to getting a recording made. He mentions his fondness these days for playing clarinet, tenor sax, and soprano sax and how he integrates them into his practice routine or his gigs. The interview concludes with Vincent expressing his views on equipment–saxophones, mouthpieces, reeds, and ligatures. As a bonus, he demonstrates one of the concepts explored in his book–using dominant pentatonics over a 12-bar Blues. I hope you will enjoy this interview and Vincent Herring’s sincere approach to the art of playing and teaching jazz.
*Opening Track: Speak Low from “Earth Jazz Agents”
**Closing Track: Strollin’ from “Split Decision”
About the Artist
Vincent Herring emerged on the jazz scene in the 1980s along with several other “young lion” alto saxophonists including Kenny Garrett, Steve Wilson, Dick Oatts, Jesse Davis, Antonio Hart, etc. Vincent distinguished himself during those early years in his work with Lionel Hampton, Cedar Walton, Horace Silver, Louis Hayes, and Nat Adderley. This ultimately led to him becoming a popular sideman on other jazz artists’ recordings (over 250 to date) as well as his own recordings as a leader, which number over 20 at this point. His wide range of projects has enabled him to display his musical versatility as he performs and tours regularly around the world. He is also a noted jazz educator and has two excellent publications devoted to developing one’s jazz creativity that are available: Logic and Critical Thinking in Jazz Improvisation and 25 Bebop Etudes on Jazz Standards. Please check out his website at: www.VincentHerring.com.