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John Hébert

John Hébert

Modern Jazz Bassist

Inventive NYC-based bassist bridging New Orleans traditions with contemporary avant-garde jazz.

jazzacoustic jazzavant-garde jazzcontemporary jazz

About

John Hébert is a highly sought-after bassist born in New Orleans who established himself in New York City since 1995. He has collaborated with jazz luminaries including Andrew Hill, Fred Hersch, and Mary Halvorson, and was featured on Andrew Hill's Blue Note release 'Time Lines,' which won Downbeat's Record of the Year in 2006. As both a sideman and leader, Hébert has released multiple acclaimed albums and won Downbeat's Rising Star Acoustic Bassist poll in 2011.

Music Style

Hébert combines lyrical, melodic bass lines with complex harmonic sensibilities, navigating both traditional jazz structures and avant-garde explorations. His approach draws from New Orleans rhythmic heritage while engaging with modern improvisation and chamber-like ensemble dynamics.

Background

Hometown
New Orleans, Louisiana
Education
William Paterson University
Instruments
bass
Active
1995-present

Similar Artists

If you like Fred Hersch, Andrew Hill, and Paul Motian — you'll love this artist

Fred Hersch
Long-standing collaborator; shared piano trio recordings and aesthetic
95%
Andrew Hill
Crucial early collaborator; featured on Hill's final Blue Note release
95%
Paul Motian
Shared collaborators and similar approach to ensemble interplay
85%
Mary Halvorson
Contemporary collaborator in modern avant-garde jazz projects
90%

Notable Collaborations

Andrew HillFred HerschMary HalvorsonLee KonitzPaul BleyJohn AbercrombieKenny WheelerPaul MotianDavid LiebmanUri CaineGreg OsbyMarc CoplandToots ThielemansMaria SchneiderTim BerneKris DavisIngrid Laubrock
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Upcoming Events

John Hébert's next NYC show is Saturday, July 11 at Ornithology Jazz Club.