Bobby Hutcherson, whose swinging, ringing modal approach on the vibraphone not only revolutionized the instrument's role and personality but also captured the angst of the tumultuous 1960s and early 1970s, died on Aug. 15. He was 75.
Of all the jazz musicians who recorded important albums in the 1960s, Hutcherson (and Wayne Shorter) perfectly illustrated the era's growing frustration and confusion, particularly among African-Americans. During this period, the musical landscape tilted in favor of youthful pop, leaving many young jazz artists culturally disenfranchised. In this regard, Hutcherson's early leadership albums embodied the feeling of suspended animation, philosophical thought, uncertainty and protest.
His first leadership album to address the decade's highly charged ethos was Components (1965), particularly the title track and Little B's Poem, an original waltz that is achingly poignant in its gentle articulation.
From 1965 forward, Hutcherson's work became increasingly introspective and expressive. Unlike other prominent jazz artists of the decade, Hutcherson managed to combine tenderness and the avant-garde to create message songs that remain relevant today. His significant leadership albums for Blue Note in the '60s were Happenings (1966), Oblique (1967), Stick-Up! (1968), Patterns (1968), Spiral (1968), Medina (1969), Now! (1969) and, most notably, Total Eclipse (1968), which remains a spiritual masterpiece.
Hutcherson retained this socially aware feel through the decades that followed and was a significant influence on younger generations of jazz, soul and rock artists. One can hear his searching sound in the albums of Steely Dan, Earth Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, the Crusaders, Stevie Wonder, Terri Lyne Carrington, Naz, Esperanza Spalding, Jason Moran and Robert Glasper among others. Unlike other jazz artists in the 1960s who delivered thunderous "lectures," Hutcherson's albums were engaging dialogues with the listener that appealed to the heart. Hutcherson's vibes seemed to question rather than merely express outrage. In his hands, the instrument had the intellectual capacity to help make sense of baffling social upheavals.
Here are seven of my favorite Hutcherson tracks:
Here's Hutcherson's Little B's Poem from Components...
Here's Hutcherson's Head Start from Happenings...
Here's Hutcherson's 'Til Then from Oblique...
Here's Joe Chambers's title song from Patterns...
Here's Hutcherson's mighty Herzog from Total Eclipse...
Here's Chambers's Ungano from Medina...
And here's Harold Land's Black Heroes from Now! (1969), with lead vocal by Gene McDaniels (A Hundred Pounds of Clay and writer of Roberta Flack's Feel Like Makin' Love)...
