“The Groove Master” - Herlin Riley - is widely considered one of the best drummers in any genre of music performing today.
The longtime drummer for the legendary Ahmad Jamal and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, now leads two groups, his quintet, and the New Orleans Groove Masters featuring himself, Jason Marsalis, and Shannon Powell.
Herlin’s most recent album Perpetual Optimism reunites the quintet of rising stars that Riley assembled for his Mack Avenue Records debut, New Direction. Since the release of that acclaimed album, all four of Riley’s bandmates – trumpeter Bruce Harris, saxophonist Godwin Louis, pianist Emmet Cohen, and bassist Russell Hall – have been making major waves across the modern jazz scene, attesting to the master drummer’s Art Blakey-like ear for talent and sage
Herlin Riley’s source of strength comes from his faith in God, his wife of four decades, and family of five children and 10 grandchildren; and his lifelong home in New Orleans, the creative community that surrounds it and his positive approach to life and music. His roots in the church are also vital, shining through in the congregational claps that help establish the celebratory spirit that is showcased in the album opener “Rush Hour.”
