So at work this afternoon I listened to some vibes from renowned jazz vibes player Bobby Hutcherson. On the iPod I have his 1982 release Solo/Quartet. The LP was split one side was Hutcherson solo and the second side had ensemble tracks featuring McCoy Tyner on piano and Billy Higgins on drums. On the solo Hutcherson plays on vibraphone, marimba, chimes and bells. On the quartet side he is joined by pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Herbie Lewis and drummer Billy Higgins. The album was recorded in September & October 1981 and February & March 1982. Hutcherson has influenced younger vibraphonists like Steve Nelson, Joe Locke and Stefon Harris.
Overall I enjoyed the album particularly the tracks with McCoy Tyner. I know I am going over to Napster and listen to some of the early albums by Hutcherson including his 1966 release Stick-Up!, which features saxophonist Joe Henderson, which is notable, because it is the first recorded session Hutcherson made with McCoy Tyner on piano!
In 2010 Hutcherson received lifetime the Jazz Master Fellowship Award from NEA, National Endowment for the Arts which is an independent federal agency. The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters is the highest honor given in Jazz was established in 1982.
Here’s The Bobby Hutcherson Quintet – Teddy
