Saxophonist Vincent Herring's intense, soulful, multi-noted style and ebullient swing have excited audiences worldwide. On stage, Vincent and his band often make an incendiary sound over fine and controlled rhythms of modern times.
Vincent started playing saxophone at age 11 in school bands while studying privately at Dean Frederick's School of Music in Vallejo, CA. At age 16, he began studying at California State University at Chico on a music scholarship. A year later, he won a berth in the United States Military Academy Band at West Point.
Moving to New York City in the early 1980s, Vincent attended Long Island University. He first toured the United States and Europe as part of the Lionel Hampton Big Band. With his sound strongly influenced by Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Vincent's virtuosity and promise came to the attention of Nat Adderley. The two forged a nine-year musical relationship, producing nine albums and touring around the world year after year. After Nat's death, Louis Hayes collaborated with Vincent to form the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band.
Vincent worked and recorded with Cedar Walton for more than 20 years. He has also worked or recorded with 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 (2010 Grammy winner), Kenny Barron, Nancy Wilson, Dr. Billy Taylor, Carla Bley, Mike LeDonne, Carl Allen, Ron McClure and John Hicks, among others. His extensive guest soloist appearances include performances with Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center and Jon Faddis and The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band.
His discography reveals over 20 titles as leader and over 250 as a sideman. His projects speak to the wide range of his musical interest and versatility, and they include Vincent Herring-Joris Dudli's Soul Chemistry and the album Friendly Fire with Eric Alexander. Vincent also leads a band, Jazz the Story, with Jon Faddis, Jeremy Pelt, Steve Turre, James Carter, Eric Alexander, Mike LeDonne, Kenny Davis, Carl Allen and Nicolas Bearde. His quartet consists of members Dave Kikoski, Yasushi Nakamura and Carl Allen.
Vincent tours with his projects throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and China as well as around the world. He continues to share his distinct voice and musical knowledge as a performer and jazz educator. He is on staff at William Paterson University and the Manhattan School of Music.
