Herb Harris was born in Washington D.C. on July 8, 1968. He began his musical journey on clarinet at age 12. Upon entering high school, he switched to alto saxophone, playing the instrument in the marching band, and then switched to tenor saxophone at age 17.

His interest in jazz peaked when he heard a recording of John Coltrane's Giant Steps. Early on, he admired the sound and style of Dexter Gordon, followed by Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt and Charlie Parker.

Upon graduating high school, Harris spent several years of study at Florida…