Herlin Riley

Part of The Sheldon’s Rhythm & Jazz series

New Orleans native Herlin Riley presents a swinging body of new music that defines the style and spirit of the Crescent City. Emerging as a young percussionist in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, he has played with influential and demanding improvisers such as pianist Ahmad Jamal and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, bringing his commanding yet elegant rhythmic presence to the ensemble. Now with the release of his debut recording for Mack Avenue Records, Riley’s New Direction is an engaging, wide-ranging recital that distills a lifetime of experience into one album.