Vincent Herring’s 2013 release on Smoke Sessions, The Uptown Shuffle, anchors itself firmly in the hard bop tradition with nine tracks that balance spirited swing and lyrical phrasing. Recorded with a tight ensemble, Herring’s alto saxophone leads through standards like “Tenderly” and “Love Walked In,” alongside originals such as the title track and “The Athlete.” The album’s crisp, modern production captures the tactile resonance of acoustic instruments, offering a clear window into Herring’s agile technique and the group’s cohesive interplay.Though Herring’s tone recalls the lineage of alto sax heroes, The Uptown Shuffle exhibits a contemporary sensibility, with each arrangement emphasizing rhythmic drive and melodic clarity. The session’s pacing—from the brisk “Strike up the Band” to the reflective “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”—makes it a solid addition to any crate seeking the vitality of modern hard bop.

Vincent Herring’s 2013 release on Smoke Sessions, The Uptown Shuffle, anchors itself firmly in the hard bop tradition with nine tracks that balance spirited swing and lyrical phrasing. Recorded with a tight ensemble, Herring’s alto saxophone leads through standards like “Tenderly” and “Love Walked In,” alongside originals such as the title track and “The Athlete.” The album’s crisp, modern production captures the tactile resonance of acoustic instruments, offering a clear window into Herring’s agile technique and the group’s cohesive interplay.Though Herring’s tone recalls the lineage of alto sax heroes, The Uptown Shuffle exhibits a contemporary sensibility, with each arrangement emphasizing rhythmic drive and melodic clarity. The session’s pacing—from the brisk “Strike up the Band” to the reflective “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”—makes it a solid addition to any crate seeking the vitality of modern hard bop.