New York-based jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig has established himself as a formidable force in both the Latin and mainstream jazz worlds, recording nearly 30 albums as a bandleader and earning four GRAMMY® nominations. His latest release, The Latin Side of McCoy Tyner (Savant Records), is the newest installment in his celebrated Latin Side series, which has spanned more than two decades. This album follows The Latin Side of Mingus (Savant, 2022) and the series’ previous tributes to jazz legends such as Horace Silver (2020), Joe Henderson (2014), Herbie Hancock (2010), Wayne Shorter (2008), Miles Davis (2004), and John Coltrane (1996). Each of these albums brings fresh, vibrant Latin interpretations to iconic jazz works, featuring a diverse array of collaborators, including Randy Brecker, Ruben Blades, Michel Camilo, Joe Lovano, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D'Rivera, and Dave Valentin, among others.
Herwig’s latest project, The Latin Side of McCoy Tyner, continues his legacy of musical innovation, blending Tyner’s groundbreaking jazz compositions with Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Reflecting on his deep connection to McCoy Tyner and other jazz giants, Herwig says, “I’ve been blessed with mentors like McCoy, Horace Silver, Miles Davis, and Eddie Palmieri. Eddie Palmieri is not just my mentor; he’s also my son’s godfather. Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean music are ancient traditions—40,000 years old, going back to Africa—and they’re a gift to the planet. You accept this gift with reverence and respect.”
The Latin Side series is a testament to Herwig’s unique ability to fuse diverse musical traditions. Raised in Hawaii, he was influenced by trombone greats like Trummy Young, Generoso Jiménez, and Barry Rogers, while also immersing himself in jazz under the guidance of Clark Terry, Buddy Rich, and Joe Henderson. Herwig's musical journey took him from playing Tejano and cumbia on a Texas stage to becoming an integral part of New York's vibrant Latin jazz scene. In NYC, he performed with legends such as Mario Bauza, Tito Puente, Paquito D'Rivera, Michel Camilo, and Victor Paz. After years of gigging in the Bronx, Palmieri famously awarded him his "salsa badge," cementing Herwig's place in the Afro-Cuban jazz world.
Herwig’s experience in both the Latin and jazz worlds allowed him to develop the concept for the Latin Side series, which he began experimenting with as a member of Palmieri’s octet. Herwig recalls, “Eddie always encouraged us to take chances and experiment. Sometimes we’d play ‘Azucar,’ then overlay ‘Impressions’ on top of it, or play ‘EP Blues’ and suddenly jump into ‘Blue Train.’ It was all spontaneous.” This spirit of musical freedom gave birth to The Latin Side of John Coltrane in 1996, the first album in the series. Now, more than 27 years later, Herwig’s The Latin Side of McCoy Tyner stands as the latest evolution of this musical journey.
As Herwig explains, The Latin Side of McCoy Tyner is a dream project for him: “McCoy is one of my heroes. He literally wrote the book on jazz piano. I grew up listening to his classic albums, and interpreting his music is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s about honoring McCoy’s legacy while also respecting the Latin traditions. This project is a dream come true.”
More on Conrad Herwig:
Conrad Herwig is a master trombonist equally at home in Latin and mainstream jazz. Voted #1 Jazz Trombonist by DownBeat magazine and a multiple nominee for Trombonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, Herwig is in high demand as a sideman. He has performed with jazz greats such as Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Lovano, as well as Latin music legends like Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Paquito D'Rivera, and Michel Camilo. Herwig is also a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, having served as musical director and arranger for the band’s 2011 GRAMMY®-winning Live at the Jazz Standard.
In addition to his extensive performance career, Herwig has appeared on over 200 albums and has received numerous accolades, including the 2006 Paul Acket Award (formerly the “Bird Award”) at the North Sea Jazz Festival. He is a recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and has served on the Board of Advisors for the International Trombone Association. As Artistic Director and Chair of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, Herwig continues to influence the next generation of jazz musicians.
Herwig’s career spans more than four decades, during which he has performed and recorded with jazz legends such as Clark Terry, Buddy Rich, Miles Davis, and Quincy Jones, as well as with the Gil Evans Orchestra. His career is a testament to the power of musical cross-pollination, cultural exchange, and the evolution of genres through respect and artistry.
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