Something Else! | KNKX Studio Session
Vincent Herring's new group Something Else! brings soul jazz twist to Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley
The alto saxophone great visited the KNKX studios for an exclusive performance with his all-star band, bringing a soulful feeling and unique sound.
As a kid in the 1960s, Herring would attend Motown revues and draw inspiration from the iconic performances. He took that idea and ran with it, creating Something Else! that puts a soul jazz twist on some of the most popular songs in jazz.
With a band featuring James Carter (tenor and soprano sax), Freddie Hendrix (trumpet and flugelhorn), Paul Bollenback (guitar), Dave Kikoski (piano), Essiet Okon Essiet (bass) and Jerome Gillespie (drums), the group had the KNKX studio audience cheering wildly.
The inspiration for his new band came from Herring's childhood experience of attending Motown revues. "The Temptations, Diana Ross… it was so fun to go to that concert because you knew all these songs," he told KNKX.
"As an audience participant,” Herring said, “I would like to go to that concert!"
The group's debut album, Soul Jazz, was recorded live in New York City and includes soul jazz favorites like “The Chicken” by James Brown band member Pee Wee Ellis and “Filthy McNasty” by Horace Silver.
- Vincent Herring - alto saxophone
- James Carter - tenor saxophone
- Freddie Hendrix - trumpet
- Paul Bollenback - guitar
- Dave Kikoski - piano
- Essiet Okon Essiet - bass
- Jerome Gillespie - drums
The group performed three songs they plan to record for their next album:
- Cedar Walton’s “I’m Not So Sure,”
- Thelonious Monk’s “Round Midnight,”
- and John Coltrane’s “Naima.”
Their performance was a celebration of great music and good times, with fiery solos from each musician but it was the backbeat provided by Essiet and Gillespie that gave the songs a soulful, celebratory feeling.
We think they’re also a lot of fun to listen to. Please enjoy this exclusive performance from Something Else!
- Songs:
- 0:00 I'm Not So Sure (Cedar Walton)
- 7:00 'Round Midnight (Thelonious Monk)
- 15:40 Naima (John Coltrane)
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