Four Seasons

Description

If we consider the giants of 20th-century jazz vibraphone, seven stand out: Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, Terry Gibbs, Cal Tjader, Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson. Bobby Hutcherson (1941-2016), originally inspired by Milt Jackson, emerged from Los Angeles in the late 1950s. After a stint with the Billy Mitchell-Al Grey sextet in 1962, Hutcherson moved to New York, becoming the house vibraphonist for Blue Note Records. His hard bop foundations did not limit him, as he also played in avant-garde sessions with artists like Eric Dolphy and Jackie McLean. On December 11, 1983, Hutcherson, aged 42, performed seven standards with an exceptional group. Pianist George Cables, who always excelled throughout his career, had been working with Hutcherson since 1977. Bassist Herbie Lewis, a versatile musician, had been collaborating with Hutcherson since 1966. Drummer Philly Joe Jones, known for his work with Miles Davis, also contributed to the session. The recording of the album Four Seasons includes seven standards, starting with Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You," which features each musician. Hutcherson's solo on Cole Porter's "All Of You" is particularly adventurous. "Spring Is Here" receives a beautiful interpretation, and "Star Eyes" is taken on. Hutcherson's introduction on "If I Were A Bell" is remarkable, as is Jones's solo. The session highlights Cables on "Summertime" and ends with a vibrant version of "Autumn Leaves."