Herlin Riley is a distinguished American jazz drummer and bandleader whose New Orleans heritage infuses his vibrant, melodic percussion style. Leading the Herlin Riley Quartet, he not only showcases his own compositions but also nurtures emerging talent, bridging traditional jazz with contemporary influences.
The Herlin Riley Quartet is led by the revered American jazz drummer Herlin Riley, whose profound New Orleans roots and significant role in modern jazz ensembles have solidified his reputation. While the quartet itself might not have a standalone historical account, it operates under Herlin Riley's illustrious leadership and influence in the jazz world.
Herlin Riley was born on February 15, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a family with a proud lineage of drummers. Beginning his musical journey on drums at age three, Riley initially pursued trumpet studies through high school and returned to drums during his college years.
Riley's professional journey saw a defining period with pianist Ahmad Jamal from 1984 to 1987. His significant contribution to Wynton Marsalis's ensembles, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, was instrumental in the Pulitzer Prize-winning album Blood on the Fields. Riley's diverse collaborations have spanned notable artists such as:
Beyond his work as a sideman, Herlin Riley has cultivated his artistry as a bandleader. He steers both a quintet and the Herlin Riley Quartet, embodying a leadership style that draws on New Orleans jazz traditions and the mentorship ethos characteristic of Art Blakey. His groups are known for nurturing rising talents and fostering individual musicianship.
Riley's discography as a leader includes:
These works often feature his colleagues from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, blending New Orleans rhythms with contemporary jazz. The album New Direction is especially celebrated for its dynamic range and represents Riley's evolution as a bandleader and composer.
In the realm of education, Herlin Riley serves as a lecturer in percussion at the jazz studies program at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, where he wields significant influence as a respected educator.
Riley's drumming is notably characterized by its melodic percussion and vibrant authority, deeply rooted in New Orleans' cultural soil. His skills extend to the tambourine, a talent honed during his upbringing in New Orleans church environments.
The Herlin Riley Quartet typically comprises younger musicians that Riley mentors, aligning with his leadership objective to foster new talent. Their repertoire is expansive, covering:
The quartet's performances often include Riley's original compositions and unique jazz standard interpretations.
