Perpetual Optimism: Herlin Riley Examines a Positive Outlook on Life After Dealing with Loss of His Parents

Original Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Drummer Reconvenes Fiery Young Ensemble Featuring Emmet Cohen, Godwin Louis, Bruce Harris and Russell Hall

“I want to live in a world where my glass is always half full!” That’s the inspiring maxim of veteran New Orleans drummer Herlin Riley. To help maintain such an upbeat outlook during the most trying of times, Riley counts on several important sources of strength: his faith in God; his wife of four decades and family of five children and ten grandchildren; and his lifelong home in New Orleans, where he remained in order to raise that family with the values and love of the music/culture that he grew up with. His roots in the church are also vital, shining through in the congregational claps that help establish the celebratory spirit that is showcased in the album opener “Rush Hour.”

Riley’s philosophy of Perpetual Optimism doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to the more distressing aspects of life. The drummer understands that as well as anyone; beyond the standard challenges faced in daily life and the tumultuous times in which we live, he was forced to deal with the loss of both of his parents over the two years since his previous album, New Direction, was released. This album was made against the backdrop of serving as caregiver and then saying farewell to two of the most important people in his life.

“The loss of a parent is always a challenging experience, and it’s something that no one ever wants to be confronted with,” Riley says. “We’re constantly faced with obstacles and challenges in life that can be depressing or diminishing to our intrinsic motivation. If we hold on to optimism, we can find the strength to overcome and move on to the next phase of our lives.”