Biography
Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring represent a powerful saxophone duo in contemporary jazz, each bringing distinct voices and extensive experience to their collaborations. Eric Alexander, born August 4, 1968, in Illinois, began as a classical musician studying alto saxophone at Indiana University before switching to jazz and tenor saxophone at William Paterson University. Vincent Herring, born November 19, 1964, in Kentucky and raised in California, started playing saxophone at age 11 in school bands while studying privately at Dean Frederick's School of Music in Vallejo, California.
Both saxophonists developed their careers through mentorship with jazz legends and extensive sideman work. Alexander placed second at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, launching his recording career with over 20 albums as a leader and over 300 as a sideman. Herring moved to New York City in the early 1980s, first touring with the Lionel Hampton Big Band before forging a nine-year musical relationship with Nat Adderley, producing nine albums together. After Nat's death, Herring collaborated with Louis Hayes to form the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band.
Their musical partnership spans over two decades, beginning with their first 'saxophone battle' in 2005 and evolving into a celebrated collaboration. Their playing styles complement each other perfectly - Alexander's robust tenor saxophone approach paired with Herring's intense, soulful alto saxophone work influenced by Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley. Together, they represent the continuation of the straight-ahead jazz tradition while bringing their own contemporary voices to the music, frequently performing with top-tier rhythm sections and maintaining active careers as both performers and jazz educators.
Fun Facts
- Their saxophone 'battles' have evolved from competitive to collaborative over 20 years, with their latest album titled 'Split Decision' acknowledging it as a draw before they even took the stage
- Vincent Herring won a berth in the United States Military Academy Band at West Point at age 17 while studying at California State University at Chico
- Eric Alexander placed second at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, finishing behind Joshua Redman but ahead of Chris Potter and Tim Warfield
- Vincent Herring has appeared on over 250 recordings as a sideman and over 20 as a leader, showcasing his versatility across the jazz spectrum
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Harold Mabern - Alexander's mentor and teacher at William Paterson University (Various recordings and performances) [1980s-1990s]
- Nat Adderley - Herring's mentor and collaborator in a nine-year musical relationship (Nine albums together) [1980s-1990s]
- Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley - Strong stylistic influence on Herring's saxophone approach (Stylistic influence) [Ongoing influence]
- Eugene Rousseau - Alexander's classical saxophone teacher at Indiana University (Classical saxophone studies)
Key Collaborators
- Mike LeDonne - Frequent collaborator and pianist in various projects (Groover Quartet, Split Decision album) [2000s-2020s]
- Cedar Walton - Herring worked and recorded with him for over 20 years (Multiple recordings) [1980s-2000s]
- Louis Hayes - Collaborated with Herring to form the Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band (Cannonball Adderley Legacy Band) [1990s-2000s]
- Carl Allen - Drummer in Herring's quartet and various projects (Jazz the Story band, quartet work) [2000s-2020s]
- Lewis Nash - Drummer on their collaborative album Split Decision (Split Decision (2025))
Artists Influenced
- Students at William Paterson University - Herring serves on staff as jazz educator (Educational programs) [Current]
- Students at Manhattan School of Music - Herring serves on staff as jazz educator (Educational programs) [Current]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club) | 2012-03-13 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dig Dis - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- Sukiyaki - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- Pat 'n' Chat - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- Inception - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- You've Changed - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- Here's That Rainy Day - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- Timothy - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
- Mona Lisa - Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club (Friendly Fire (Recorded Live at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club))
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring has been played 15 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.