Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Herschel McWilliams was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas on October 17, 1978. Growing up the son of musicians, a drummer father and pianist and vocalist mother, he was introduced to many musical influences at an early age.

He started learning piano at eight years old and alto saxophone at 10 years old. He joined the band in school and though he learned to play drums from his dad, saxophone became his instrument when he was in the fourth grade. In the 7th grade he stumbled upon Weather Report and Harry Connick Big Band albums. Having great teachers and musicians around him was an important influence on him throughout elementary and high school.

He started gigging the summer after he graduated high school with a community big band. They were working musicians and it was his first call he ever got before heading off to college. After college he has become a beacon of light for jazz in his hometown.

Saxophonist Herschel McWilliams serves on the Board of Directors for Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, runs his own jazz website,  and plays regular gigs in the jazz district of Kansas City as well as other venues in the area.

More Posts: bandleader,history,instrumental,jazz,music,saxophone