Biography
Herlin Riley, born on February 15, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a renowned American jazz drummer, percussionist, and composer. He was raised in a musical family and began playing drums at the age of three. Riley initially studied trumpet through high school and college but eventually focused on drums. His early career included performances with local bands in New Orleans before joining Ahmad Jamal's group in the early 1980s. This collaboration garnered critical acclaim and showcased his unique blend of precision and creativity. In 1988, Riley joined Wynton Marsalis and became a cornerstone of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, solidifying his reputation as a leading interpreter of traditional and modern jazz. Riley is also a prolific bandleader, releasing albums such as Watch What You’re Doing and New Directions, which highlight his versatility and compositional talents. His playing style is characterized by an infectious swing and dynamic phrasing, seamlessly blending African, Latin, and second-line rhythms into jazz. Beyond performance, Riley is a dedicated educator, having taught masterclasses worldwide and sharing his knowledge of jazz drumming and New Orleans traditions. He remains a vibrant force in contemporary jazz, revered for his deep connection to the genre's roots and his innovative contributions to its evolution. Riley's legacy extends through his extensive collaborations with various artists and his role as a lecturer in jazz studies at institutions like Northwestern University. His influence on jazz is profound, both as a performer and educator, ensuring his impact on future generations of musicians.
Fun Facts
- Herlin Riley began playing drums at the age of three.
- He played in a variety of settings, including brass bands, burlesque clubs, and theater productions.
- Riley composed his own drum parts for Wynton Marsalis's Pulitzer Prize-winning album Blood on the Fields.
- He has endorsed Zildjian Cymbals and Vic Firth Sticks for over 25 years.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ahmad Jamal - Mentor and collaborator (Multiple albums with Jamal) [1982-1987, 2009-2014]
- Wynton Marsalis - Collaborator and mentor (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra) [1988-2004]
Key Collaborators
- Ahmad Jamal - Band member (Multiple albums) [1982-1987, 2009-2014]
- Wynton Marsalis - Member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (Blood on the Fields) [1988-2004]
- George Benson - Recording collaborator (Various recordings) [1980s-1990s]
- Harry Connick Jr. - Recording collaborator (Various recordings) [1980s-1990s]
- Dr. John - Recording collaborator (Gris gris & funk music) [1980s-1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Students at Northwestern University - Educator (Jazz studies program) [Ongoing]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Intimacy Calling - Standard Time Vol. 2 | 1991 | Album |
| Basie Rocks! | 2025-05-02 | Album |
| New York Trio - Page 3 | 2005 | Album |
| Perpetual Optimism | 2019-04-12 | Album |
| New Direction | 2016-02-12 | Album |
| Cream Of The Crescent | 2005 | Album |
Top Tracks
- The End Of A Love Affair (Standard Time Vol. 2: Intimacy Calling)
- Owl Song 1 (feat. Bill Frisell & Herlin Riley) (Owl Song)
- The End Of A Love Affair (Intimacy Calling - Standard Time Vol. 2)
- Weighted Corners (feat. Bill Frisell & Herlin Riley) (Owl Song)
- Stella By Starlight (Perpetual Optimism)
- Old Time Rock & Roll (Basie Rocks!)
- Prelude in e Minor (New York Trio - Page 3)
- Flux Fuelings (feat. Bill Frisell & Herlin Riley) (Owl Song)
- Owl Song 2 (feat. Bill Frisell & Herlin Riley) (Owl Song)
- I've got my love to keep me warm (New York Trio - Page 3)
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not available)
- MusicBrainz
Tags: #jazz, #post-bop
Heard on WWOZ
Herlin Riley has been played 31 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.