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* B O B B Y * H U T C H E R S O N *

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Bobby Hutcherson is one of the three or four greatest vibraharpists in the history of jazz, many of whom remained active, touring worldwide and playing beautifully right to the end (though the world mourns the passing of Milt Jackson in 1999 and, more recently, that of Lionel Hampton).

A pioneer who took his place alongside such greats of the 1960s as Eric Dolphy, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Freddie Hubbard, Hutch recorded extensively for Blue Note during the '60s and early '70s. In '94 he teamed up with long-time fellow spirit McCoy Tyner for a CD and duo tour of the US and Canada. Hutch is known as a master of melody, polyrhythmic swing, and instrumental timbre. His playing issuffused with searing emotion, as this shot shows; but also embraces humor and profound musicality.

A recent gig at Seattle's Jazz Alley, pairing Hutch with the McCoy Tyner Trio, proved that our man's genius has only flourished more fully with the passage of time. McCoy's and Hutch's musical exchangesmelded and flowed together for almost three hours, to the delight of a packed house.

Our photo shows Hutch -- an L.A. resident -- in a rare East Coast appearance at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. On stage with him were the late Woody Shaw and trombonist Steve Turre, in this 1983 concert set up by the late Max Roach and Fred Tillis, who long co-chaired the University's jazz program.

All photographs shown in this site are copyright © 1985, 2007 by Larry Neilson. All rights reserved. To negotiate terms for usage, consult the information on the home page.

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