Conrad Herwig: Reflections–Facing South

Featuring the Late Eddie Palmieri & Luques Curtis

Multiple GRAMMY®-nominated trombonist, composer, and bandleader Conrad Herwig returns with a bold new release, Reflections–Facing South (Savant Records), featuring the late Latin jazz icon Eddie Palmieri and bassist Luques Curtis.

This album is unlike anything Herwig has released before. Stripping the music down to its essence, the trio performs without a drummer — a daring move in a rhythm-driven genre like Latin jazz. Instead, Curtis anchors the sound with a melodic, driving bass; Palmieri transforms the piano into a rhythmic powerhouse; and Herwig soars above with his bold, fluid trombone lines. The result is Latin jazz reimagined — unfiltered, intimate, and electrifying.

A Legacy of the “Latin Side”

For nearly three decades, Herwig has been celebrated for his groundbreaking “Latin Side” series, which has paid tribute to jazz legends including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Charles Mingus. His ability to merge Afro-Caribbean rhythms with modern jazz sensibilities has earned him recognition worldwide, as well as multiple GRAMMY® nominations.

Reflections–Facing South continues that legacy while standing apart as a deeply personal project. It captures the energy of Herwig’s long partnership with Palmieri, a collaboration that has spanned several Grammy-winning recordings and countless live performances.

Remembering Eddie Palmieri (1936–2025)

Herwig dedicates this project to his late friend and mentor, Eddie Palmieri:

“Without a doubt – Eddie Palmieri was an innovator, a virtuoso musician, a brilliant composer, master communicator, and creative genius. But deeper still, he approached life and music as a sacred calling. His energy, his passion, and his love for his public, his musicians, and his family were limitless. For me, he was my Compay and blood brother. For the world, he will always be our Padrino, the godfather of this sacred music.”

Palmieri’s presence on this recording is both a celebration and a farewell, a final document of his creative brilliance alongside one of his closest collaborators.

Track Listing

1. Bianco’s Waltz – 5:10

2. C’mon (Mi Guajira) – 4:56

3. Que Viva Barry – 5:08

4. Reflections–Facing South – 5:33

5. Listen Lady – 7:59

6. Augmented Blues – 5:30

7. Cuando se Habla de Amor – 6:14

8. Monica – 5:09

9. El Guerrero Solitario – 6:02

Conrad Herwig has recorded nearly 30 albums as a leader and appeared on more than 200 as a sideman. He has worked with legends including Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, and Michel Camilo. He is a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, where he has also served as musical director. Beyond performance, Herwig is a respected educator, currently serving as Artistic Director and Chair of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University.

With Reflections–Facing South, Herwig delivers not only a tribute to Palmieri but also a striking new chapter in Latin jazz — proof that innovation, passion, and respect for tradition can all thrive together in the same breath.