Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring is a soulful improviser whose playing is distinguished by a warm, throaty tone, and an ear for marrying swinging, blues-based acoustic jazz to advanced harmonic ideas. He is a vital proponent hard bop and has collaborated with many of its masters including Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, Phil Woods, and the Mingus Big Band. His own albums flow from hard-hitting acoustic dates including 1989's Scene One and 2004's Mr. Wizard to organic funk explorations such as 2010's Morning Star, and 2012's Friendly Fire: Live at Smoke with saxophonist Eric Alexander. Herring celebrated Charlie Parker's centennial with the 2019 live album, Bird at 100, and in 2021, returned with the quartet offering Preaching to the Choir.