About this Event
Michael Herring is JUNO-nominated a double-bassist and composer based in Toronto who writes, performs and records across genre lines, equally comfortable in jazz as in folk, world, and pop/rock settings. Herring is a major contributor of original music to a number of groups that he leads and co-leads: Michael Herring Quartet, a chordless two-saxophone band drawing inspiration from 1960’s jazz, especially Mingus and Ellington; Way North (New York/Toronto/Ottawa collaboration with Petr Cancura, Rebecca Hennessy and Richie Barshay) exploring folk musics through improvisation - one Ottawa Citizen top Canadian Jazz albums of 2015; Peripheral Vision, a JUNO-nominated modern-jazz quartet co-led with guitarist and long-time collaborator Don Scott. Peripheral Vision has recorded six albums, maintains a busy touring schedule; Michael Herring's Vertigo, a modern-jazz sextet which recorded two albums featuring New York’s David Binney - the first was included in All About Jazz New York’s Top 5 Debut albums of 2006; and The Uplifters, The Bird Brains and Harrington (New Orleans/Roots), groups where you can hear Herring’s lyrics, and lead and backing vocals. Herring has performed and recorded with such great musicians as Joel Frahm, Ernesto Cervini, Tim Shia's Worst Pop Band Ever, Kevin Breit, Friendly Rich, Ab Baars (ICP/Amsterdam), Laila Biali, Ken Vandermark, Dave Clark, David Braid, Mansa Sissoko (Mali, Africa), Kevin Turcotte, Bucky Pizzarelli, Percy Sledge, and Ernest Ranglin. He received a Chalmers Arts Fellowship (through the Ontario Arts Council) and used it for an extended stay in New York City.
"Michael Herring has established himself as one of the most creative musicians on the Canadian scene" Joseph Blake - Times-Colonist
“the boss's bass soars and swoops and the overall impact is tremendous” Geoff Chapman - Toronto Star
JUNO-nominated double-bassist and composer Michael Herring stands as a versatile musical force transcending genres. Based in Toronto, his artistic journey spans across jazz, folk, world, and pop/rock, showcasing a remarkable proficiency in both performance and composition. Herring's impact extends to several musical projects that he spearheads or collaborates on. Among these are the Michael Herring Quartet, an ensemble with a unique configuration of two saxophones, drawing inspiration from 1960s jazz luminaries like Mingus and Ellington. The quartet thrives on Herring's original compositions, capturing the essence of a bygone era while infusing contemporary nuances.
Another notable endeavor is Way North, a cross-continental collaboration featuring musicians from New York, Toronto, and Ottawa, including Petr Cancura, Rebecca Hennessy, and Richie Barshay. This collective delves into the rich tapestry of folk musics, exploring improvisation with a distinctive flair. Their 2015 album earned recognition as one of Ottawa Citizen's top Canadian Jazz albums. Peripheral Vision, a JUNO-nominated modern-jazz quartet co-led by Herring and guitarist Don Scott, has left an indelible mark with six recorded albums and a demanding touring schedule. Herring's innovative approach to jazz extends to his sextet, Michael Herring's Vertigo, which has collaborated with New York's David Binney, earning accolades for their debut album in 2006.
Beyond instrumental prowess, Herring lends his talents to vocal-centric projects such as The Uplifters, The Bird Brains, and Harrington, showcasing his lyrical and vocal abilities. His impressive list of collaborations includes acclaimed musicians like Joel Frahm, Ernesto Cervini, Kevin Breit, and Ken Vandermark. Herring's artistic contributions have been acknowledged with a Chalmers Arts Fellowship, granted through the Ontario Arts Council, providing him the opportunity for an extended creative sojourn in the vibrant music scene of New York City.
In the realm of international collaboration, Herring has shared stages and recording studios with musicians from diverse backgrounds, including Mali's Mansa Sissoko, Dutch improv icon Ab Baars, and legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin. His rich tapestry of musical experiences reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the multifaceted nature of contemporary music.
"Michael Herring has established himself as one of the most creative musicians on the Canadian scene" Joseph Blake - Times-Colonist
“the boss's bass soars and swoops and the overall impact is tremendous” Geoff Chapman - Toronto Star
Recipient of the Ontario Arts Council’s Chalmers Arts Fellowship which provided him the opportunity for an extended creative sojourn in the vibrant music scene of New York City, Michael’s rich tapestry of musical experiences reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the multifaceted nature of contemporary music.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
158 Elgin St, 158 Elgin Street, Greater Sudbury, Canada
CAD 30.00