john Hébert
& the youngbloods

John Hébert has solidified his position as one of the most inventive and respected bassists in the contemporary jazz landscape. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, he brought the city's rich rhythmic heritage to his early studies with Bill Huntington before refining his technique under Rufus Reid at William Paterson University. Since establishing himself in New York City in the mid-1990s, Hébert has maintained a prolific career, deeply impacting modern improvisation as both a leader and an indispensable sideman.

Hébert gained widespread recognition for his crucial collaboration with the legendary pianist Andrew Hill, serving as the bedrock for Hill's final groups and recording on his celebrated Blue Note release, Time Lines. His versatility is reflected in his long list of high-profile associations across the spectrum of creative music.

He has been a vital collaborator with numerous luminaries, particularly in the realm of piano trios, including his work with Fred Hersch, appearing on critically acclaimed albums like Alive at the Vanguard and Floating. He has also shared the stage and studio with innovators such as Paul Bley, Tim Berne, Lee Konitz, David Liebman, Paul Motian, John Abercrombie, Kenny Wheeler, and a younger generation of trailblazers including Mary Halvorson, Kris Davis, and Ingrid Laubrock. Hébert’s ability to navigate complex structures while providing a strong, lyrical foundation has made him a first-call bassist for both established masters and avant-garde pioneers.

As a leader and composer, Hébert has released several compelling albums that showcase his distinct musical vision. Notable recordings include Byzantine Monkey (Firehouse 12, 2009), Spiritual Lover (Clean Feed, 2010) with Benoît Delbecq and Gerald Cleaver, and Rambling Confessions with Andy Milne, Jen Shyu, and Billy Drummond (Sunnyside Records, 2015). In 2022, he released Sounds of Love (Sunnyside Records), a creative reimagining and tribute to the music of Charles Mingus featuring Tim Berne, Taylor Ho Bynum, and Ches Smith His enduring contributions to the genre have earned him multiple mentions and a win for "Rising Star Acoustic Bassist" in the annual DownBeat Critics Poll.