Vince Ector

Biography

Vince Ector, a Philadelphia native from South Philadelphia, grew up immersed in music through his father's influence, attending performances by organ great Don Patterson at Dino's, which sparked his passion for jazz organ trios and funky rhythms[1]. Educated in music magnet high schools and later at the University of Pennsylvania, he also attended William Paterson University, honing his skills across jazz, R&B, funk, and more after starting seriously around age 19-20[1][6]. His early career involved versatile gigs in Philadelphia, including carrying his drums up three flights to play with Charles Earland at Morgan's, blending styles essential for survival in the local scene[1].

Relocating to New York around age 27-28 in the mid-1990s, Ector established himself as a drummer/composer, performing and recording internationally for over 30 years with jazz luminaries like Freddie Hubbard, Randy Weston, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, and Charles Earland[1][2][3]. Known for his rhythmic mastery in shuffles and grooves as Earland's longtime sideman, he also leads projects like the Organatomy Trio featuring Pat Bianchi, Paul Bollenback, and Justin Jones, as heard on live recordings from 2020[1]. His style reflects Philadelphia's genre-blending ethos, encompassing swing, Latin, funk, hip-hop, blues, and world music[1][2].

Currently based in the New York City area, Ector serves as a Lecturer of Jazz Percussion at Princeton University and founded Arts For Kids, Inc., as its executive director, promoting music education[3][4][5][8]. His legacy endures through performances, recordings, and mentorship, embodying a versatile, professional approach to drumming[2].

Fun Facts

• Served in the military, playing polkas, marches, and performing at a change of command ceremony as a PFC and graduation as a corporal[1].
• Carried his full drum kit, including a massive 22-inch bass drum, up three flights of stairs to gig with Charles Earland at Morgan's[1].
• Toured Europe with Dizzy Gillespie's longtime band members, performing in 2,000-5,000 seat venues across multiple countries in one week[2].
• Plays bass guitar and as a child protested playing jazz with his father by using funk techniques like thumb and slapping[1].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Don Patterson - Early live influence seen as a child at Dino's by his father (Covered 'Aries' on one of his recordings) [Childhood in 1960s-1970s]
• Charles Earland - Early gig mentor who repeatedly called him for work (Gigs at Morgan's in Germantown) [1970s-1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Charles Earland - Longtime sideman in organ groups (Numerous performances and recordings) [1970s-2000s]
• Freddie Hubbard - Performance and recording collaborator (Recordings and gigs) [1990s-2000s]
• Randy Weston - Performance and recording collaborator (Recordings and gigs) [1990s-2000s]
• James Moody - Performance and recording collaborator (Recordings and gigs) [1990s-2000s]
• Jimmy Heath - Performance and recording collaborator (Recordings and gigs) [1990s-2000s]
• Pat Bianchi - Organatomy Trio member (Live recording from Side Door gig 2020) [2010s-2020s]
• Paul Bollenback - Organatomy Trio member (Live recording from Side Door gig 2020) [2010s-2020s]
• Justin Jones - Organatomy Trio frontline, former student (Live recording from Side Door gig 2020) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Justin Jones - Student at Juilliard who joined his trio (Organatomy Trio live recording) [2020]

External Links

• Spotify