Bobby Hutcherson

Bobby Hutcherson - Head On (1971) {2014 Japan SHM-CD Blue Note 24-192 Remaster TYCJ-81099}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 508 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 186 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 250 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit 192kHz remaster
© 1971, 2014 Universal Japan / Blue Note | BN 75th The Masterworks | TYCJ-81099
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibraphone

Features the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (compatible with standard CD player) and 24 bit remastering. Featuring the work of obscure composer/pianist Todd Cochrane, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson's 1971 album Head On is a highly cerebral and atmospheric affair that is somewhat different than his other equally experimental '70s work. Although the album does feature more of the avant-garde jazz that Hutcherson was exploring during this period, Cochrane's material is heavily influenced by contemporary classical music, and accordingly Head On is more of an exercise in reflective, layered jazz than rambunctious freebop – though it does offer some of that, too.

Legendary vibist Bobby Hutcherson delivers an attractive collection on this, his first recording for the Verve label. Accompanied by an all-star lineup, it's Hutcherson himself who raises Skyline to a level above the average straight-ahead jazz jam, but he is obviously inspired by his young bandmates. Alto saxman Kenny Garrett is especially impressive here. Highlights include a "Delilah" played in a relaxed, slow groove; a beautiful reading of Herbie Hancock's "Chan's Song"; and a lovely piano/vibes duet on the Hutcherson original "Candle." In addition, the opening "Who's Got You" features fine interplay between Hutcherson and Garrett, and smokin' solos from the whole crew, while the arrangement of "I Only Have Eyes for You" takes that warhorse far beyond the mundane place where it usually resides.

Bobby Hutcherson - Waiting (1976) {2013 Japanese BNLA Series 24-bit Remaster TOCJ-50578}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 327 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 113 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 182 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1976, 2013 Blue Note / EMI Music Japan | TOCJ-50578
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibes

Waiting is an album by American jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson recorded in 1976 and released on the Blue Note label. The album was issued on Blue Note and was called "Waiting" and with a few additions was Bobby's working band of the time. In the group was the late Manny Boyd on soprano and tenor saxophones and flute, George Cables on electric and acoustic piano, James Leary on bass and the late Eddie Marshall on drums. Added for the date was percussionist Kenneth Nash and on the title tune, "Waiting" a few extra flutes were added only to the melody. Those of you who were on the scene in Vancouver might remember the core band (Hutcherson, Boyd, Leary and Marshall) performing at Oil Can Harry's Jazz Room in 1976….a memorable gig to be sure. This album is fresh and varied with compositions by Bobby and James Leary and great playing by all. "Waiting" is worth waiting for!

Bobby Hutcherson - Patterns (1968) {2012 Blue Note Japan BNLT Series TOCJ-50287}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 254 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 100 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 58 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1968, 2012 Blue Note / EMI Music Japan | TOCJ-50287
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibes

An entirely worthy Bobby Hutcherson LP that went unissued until 1980, Patterns finds the vibist working in typically challenging territory; what makes this session distinctive is that it features some of drummer and favorite Hutcherson composer Joe Chambers' most structured work, though that hardly means it's traditional or unadventurous. Four of the six pieces are Chambers'; the others are by altoist/flautist James Spaulding (the pensive Martin Luther King tribute "A Time to Go") and pianist Stanley Cowell (the warmly melodic waltz "Effi," dedicated to his wife).

Bobby Hutcherson - Mirage (1991) {Landmark–32 Jazz 32214 rel 2000}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 347 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 152 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 28 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1991, 2000 Landmark / 32 Jazz | 32214
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibes

This quartet date by Bobby Hutcherson works quite well due to the chemistry between the vibist and pianist Tommy Flanagan. They take Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" and "Love Letters" as exquisite duets and perform eight high-quality selections as a quartet with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Drummond. Among the other highlights are Barry Harris' "Nascimento," Flanagan's "Beyond the Bluebird" and Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Zingaro." Everything clicks on this inspired outing.

Bobby Hutcherson - Happenings (1966) [ft. Herbie Hancock] {2006 BN Rudy Van Gelder Remaster}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC+CUE+LOG -> 266 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 103 Mb
Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 30 Mb
© 2006 Blue Note / Capitol | 0946 3 62667 2 5 | 24-bit Remaster
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Vibraphone

HAPPENINGS was vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson's fourth Blue Note release as a leader. Where its predecessors DIALOGUE and COMPONENTS were packed with challenging avant-bop, HAPPENINGS instead brings things down a notch. With pianist Herbie Hancock, drummer Joe Chambers, and bassist Bob Cranshaw on board, Hutcherson keeps the tone fairly light, performing his original compositions (the exception is Hancock's "Maiden Voyage") with a mellow, swinging style that emphasizes modal exploration. The performances are all top-notch, and the album still weighs in as one of the best in Hutcherson's fine catalogue.

Bobby Hutcherson - The View From The Inside (1976) {2013 Japanese BNLA Series 24-bit Remaster TOCJ-50580}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 242 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 101 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 185 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1976, 2013 Blue Note / EMI Music Japan | TOCJ-50580
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Vibes

Sweet 70s grooves from Bobby Hutcherson – an overlooked mid 70s gem for Blue Note – done in a style that's a bit more laidback than some of his other work for the label! The group here is similar to that used on the Waiting album – and Emmanuel Boyd turns in some great tenor and soprano sax, really underscoring the deeper sounds of Bobby's vibes. But this time around, there's also lots of sweet keyboards from Larry Nash – who plays Fender Rhodes with some warmer elements that unlock a great mellow side of Hutcherson's playing – almost giving the record a Roy Ayers vibe at times! Titles include "Later Even", "Same Shame", "Love Can Be Many Things", and "Song For Annie".

Bobby Hutcherson - Live At Montreux (1973) {2012 Japanese BNLA Series 24-bit Remaster TOCJ-50506}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 342 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 123 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 168 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1973, 2012 Blue Note / EMI Music Japan | TOCJ-50506
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibes

One of the most wonderful 70s albums from Bobby Hutcherson – and one of the most deeply spiritual, too! As with others in Blue Note's Montreux series, the tracks are long and very open – with a different flavor than the artists' studio work. Hutcherson works with a hip small group that includes excellent trumpet from Woody Shaw, piano from Hotep Cecil Bernard, bass from Ray Drummond, and drums from Larry Hancock – all snaking out beautifully on these long, spiritual tunes – very much shaped by Woody's presence.

Bobby Hutcherson - Color Schemes (1985) {Landmark Records LCD-1508-2}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 241 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 103 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 15 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1986 Landmark Records / GRP Records | LCD-1508-2
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibes

A great title for this album from Bobby Hutcherson – given the way he commands such great tones from his work on the vibes! The album's a real gem from his Landmark Records years – that great back-to-basics point when Bobby was almost doing more by doing less – especially in a record with understated brilliance like this. The group's a warmly sensitive one – with Mulgrew Miller on piano, John Heard on bass, Airto on percussion, and Billy Higgins on drums – a perfect rhythmic accompaniment for Hutcherson's hip vibes. Titles include "Rosemary Rosemary", "Remember", "Never Let Me Go", "Recorda Me", "Bemsha Swing", and "Whisper Not".