BOBBY HUTCHERSON レコード& CD

Review: Bobby Hutcherson's Total Eclipse is a seminal work in the post-bop jazz genre. Released in 1968, the album showcases Hutcherson's masterful vibraphone playing and his innovative approach to composition which creates a sense of mystery and wonder. 'Herzog' is a up-tempo number, with Hutcherson's vibraphone taking a more prominent role. The track features some blistering solos from Hutcherson and his fellow musicians, including pianist Herbie Hancock and bassist Ron Carter. 'Matrix' is a complex and challenging piece that showcases Hutcherson's experimental side. The track features a variety of odd time signatures and dissonant harmonies, but Hutcherson's playing is always melodic and accessible. 'Same Shame' is a more traditional jazz ballad, with Hutcherson's vibraphone playing taking a more subdued role. The track is a showcase for Hutcherson's lyrical and sensitive playing. The album closes with 'Pompeian,' a haunting and atmospheric piece that recalls the title track. Total Eclipse is a masterpiece of post-bop jazz.

Review: Bobby Hutcherson's iconic Happenings is a mesmerizing jazz opus that even now all these years later still brims with innovation and emotion. Released originally in 1966, the record showcases Hutcherson's mastery of the vibraphone and how he effortlessly weaves intricate melodies with a vibrant rhythmic pulse. Backed by a stellar ensemble including the one and only Herbie Hancock, Hutcherson crafts a sonic landscape that is both sophisticated and accessible. Tracks never fail to captivate with their dynamic interplay and infectious grooves, while reflective pieces are also included to offer moments of introspection. Happenings then is a standout from an unparalleled talent.

Review: Here's another classic from one of the greatest vibraphone players to ever grace the world of jazz. Amongst Bobby Hutcherson's imperious discography lies this collaboration with tenor sax, flute and oboe virtuoso Harold Land, originally released on Blue Note in 1971. San Francisco is notable for the shift Hutcherson and Land took away from the common hard bop style they were best known for, heading towards the fruitful pastures of jazz fusion. As well as the lead men, special credit goes to the rhythm section of John Williams on bass and Mickey Roker on drums, holding down some sturdy grooves for the duration.

Review: Bobby Hutcherson was one of the greatest vibraphone and marimba players in jazz, and he left behind a staggering legacy. By 1965 he was already recording his first album as bandleader for Blue Note, and just three years later he recorded Stick-Up!, his fifth for the label and one of his all time finest. Decca clearly agree as they now present the album again in their Tone Poet series. Backing Hutcherson up is Joe Henderson on tenor sax, McCoy Turner on piano, Billy Higgins on drums and Herbie Lewis on bass, and in that ensemble you get a golden example of post bop perfection.

Review: Picking a standout album on Blue Note would be like trying to pick a favourite grain of sand on the beach: impossible, and pointless. The jazz label stands head and shoulders above the rest with unflinchingly high quality releases carrying on throughout the decades. Even so, many people would pick this classic deepness from pianist Duke Pearson as one of its finest hours. Along side the Duke himself, Bobby Hutcherson plays the vibes, Patato Valdez is on congas, Bob Cranshaw slaps the bass, Mickey Roker is on drums and Sam Brown plays guitar to make for an absolutely killer collection of smooth grooves.