Search - Vincent Herring :: Early On: Evidence / Dawnbird

Vincent Herring-Early On

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 11/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Two discs,56,58 minutes each approximately,digitally mastered. The sound is clean and "up-front" sounding but still retains a real warmth. Vincent Herring is an alto sax player who is indebted to "Cannonball" Adderley not only for his sound but also for his arranging skills. In saying this,I don't mean he is a slavish imitator,but rather someone who is carrying on "the tradition" of swinging/hard-bop jazz. Having played with people such as Horace Silver,Art Blakey,and Nat Adderley,to name a few,has given Herring a real grounding in his chosen field. If truth be told,Herring is more well known in Europe as a leader than in the U.S. On these two discs Herring has chosen a group who are from his same period of growth as a player-all are known to some extent and will continue to grow,both as players and in identity. Wallace Roney-trumpet,Mulgrew Miller and Keven Hays-piano,Ira Coleman-bass,Carl Allen and Billy Drummond-drums,and on a few tracks,Scott Wendholt-trumpet,and Dwayne Burno-bass. The tracks consist of compositions by Herring or members of his group,to "Monk",to standards. There is a good mix of ballads and more up-tempo tracks which make for good listening variety. All the tracks were recorded in the early nineties during the then revitalization of jazz. It's a shame that music of this caliber is now heading for oblivion in the "discontinued" pile,along with so much other good music. This is music that would be right at home on Blue Note Records if they were still active in this field of music. It's sad that this seems to be happening more and more-pick this up while you still have the chance."