Vincent Herring – Carrying on the Alto Sax Legacy
- By Jay Metcalf
- Saxophone Interviews
Level up your saxophone playing today!
Check out the audio podcast version of this post on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
I recently had the chance to sit down with saxophonist Vincent Herring, a prominent figure in the world of jazz. We discuss his role in carrying forward the legacy of great alto saxophonists in jazz, and delve into his musical journey, influences, and his commitment to the jazz community.
Gear and Breathing Techniques
Vincent shares his mouthpiece and reed setup, and even shares his opinion on the new BetterSax Jazz Cut Reeds. He shares how his setup and the way he breathes contributes to his overall sound and projection.
Developing Language
Vincent discusses how in order to become an innovator in music and as a saxophonist, you still have to learn and build on existing language. Musical innovators will expand those boundaries, but there are certain core things that musicians need to go through, and innovation will come from that as you progress as a saxophonist.
The Legacy of Great Saxophonists
Vincent reflects on the influence of legendary alto saxophonists on his musical journey. From Charlie Parker to Phil Woods to Cannonball Adderley, Vincent emphasizes the impact these icons had on shaping his style and fueling his love for the instrument. By paying homage to these masters, Vincent strives to keep their legacy alive while contributing his unique voice to the world of jazz. As an artist dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of jazz, he discusses the challenges and rewards of navigating the rich history of the saxophone.
There’s so much more in this one, you won’t want to miss it. You can visit Vincent’s website to learn more about him and see a list of his upcoming performances.
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Jay Metcalf
As the founder of BetterSax.com Jay’s mission is to help developing saxophone players break away from traditional music learning methods and discover a more efficient, practical and fun way to become a Better Sax player.
The BetterSax YouTube channel’s videos have been watched by millions and thousands of students have made meaningful progress on their instrument thanks to BetterSax courses.
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2 thoughts on “Vincent Herring – Carrying on the Alto Sax Legacy”
Jay, Can’t thank you and Vincent Herring enough for the interview. His thoughts on studying what music is interesting to the student hit home.
I studied with a teacher of Lennie Pickett, before he joined TOP, and told him I was interested in Charlie Parker. He told me instead of studying the Omnibook I should learn more modern vocabulary. I spent years working on exercises that lead nowhere. Now working in the Omnibook in all keys and happier than ever with my progress, thanks to you and Vincent.
Cheers
From what I can hear from recordings, Herring has a noticeably brighter and edgier sound than Cannonball or Joe Henderson, which would at least partially explain why he sounds louder than them in person.