The Uptown Shuffle

“On Herring’s new Smoke Sessions CD, THE UPTOWN SHUFFLE, he honors the jazz tradition in his acknowledgments to Cedar, Nat, John Hicks, Jackie McLean, Mulgrew Miller, Freddie Hubbard, and others. There’s a little something for everyone here. The nice gatefold jewel case has an insightful interview with Herring and great photos from Jimmy Katz.”
— John Sunier, Audiophile Audition, 5 May 2014

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Vincent Herring’s M.O. is well known–he means business. Not that you can tell from the pure joy that emanates from his horn, but like Bird, Cannonball, and Stitt, there is purpose, meaning, and, yes, a little gravity in every note he plays. Herring describes his time spent studying with bebop master Phil Woods as a pivotal moment in his development. It instilled in him a sense of responsibility to assume the mantle of a vital artistic tradition, which, for the past quarter century, is exactly what he’s done. With his no-holds-barred solos and unerring aesthetic compass, he’s made more than a few great records during that time, but his latest on Smoke Sessions, THE UPTOWN SHUFFLE, might just be his best yet.

Like so many classic jazz records, THE UPTOWN SHUFFLE arrives with a rousing opener, Herring’s aptly titled “Elation.” He explains that he wrote this theme over 20 years ago to express a feeling of pure joy. It was never exactly how he wanted it, though, until just recently. It might also be the perfect introduction to his quartet. Soulful pianist Cyrus Chestnut, Canadian bass newcomer Brandi Disterheft, and the reliably swinging drummer Joe Farnsworth have real chemistry from start to finish. Herring frequently talks about choosing personnel and material based “on a feeling” and that he used that approach to put together this date. He said he knew going in that he had the band he wanted and that when they ran down tunes in rehearsal, the ones included here were the ones that “just clicked.” Recorded live “uptown” at Smoke Jazz Club in front of a packed house of admirers, this record truly captures the spirit and excitement of a night out in New York.