Herlin Riley


Herlin Riley is an American jazz drummer and a member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis.

Life and career

A native of New Orleans, Riley started on the drums when he was three. He played trumpet through high school, but he went back to drums in college. After graduating, he spent three years as a member of a band led by Ahmad Jamal. He has worked often with Wynton Marsalis as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and of Marsalis's small groups. He has also worked with George Benson, Harry Connick, Jr., and Marcus Roberts.
Riley played a large part in developing the drum parts for Wynton Marsalis's Pulitzer Prize-winning album, Blood on the Fields.

Discography

As leader

Watch What You're Doing Cream of the Crescent New Direction
  • ''Perpetual Optimism''

As sideman

With Ahmad JamalDigital Works Live at the Montreal Jazz Festival 1985 Rossiter Road Blue Moon
With Marcus RobertsDeep in the Shed
With Dr. Lonnie SmithRise Up!
With Wynton Marsalis
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