Herlin Riley was conceived in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 15, 1957. Herlin was raised in a musical family and was always surrounded with music. At the age of three, he began to play the drums. He was a trumpet player in high school, college and the two years after that. However, his attraction to the trumpet was temporary and he shifted his focus to drums. From 1984 to 1987, Herlin was part of Ahmad Jamal’s group. He recorded with Dr. John, Marcus Roberts, Harry Connick, Jr., George Benson, Benny Wallace, Mark Whitifield, and many others. He has performed in American Musical Legend and One Mo’Time. He joined Wynton Marsalis’ touring group and recorded group in the spring 1988. He performed with them until its dissolution in late 1994. In the fall 1992, he performed the music of Duke Ellington on the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra United States tour. Herlin is a regular Jazz at the Lincoln Center musician. As a leader, he has recorded two albums: Cream of the Crescent (with his band Watch What You’re doing) These albums are both co-produced by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. From www.herlinriley.com
