Upcoming Gigs

Bobby Hutcherson is available for interviews

Bobby Hutcherson's mellow, melodic vibraphone has been heard on countless recordings and albums throughout the years, with over thirty albums as a leader. Building his career firmly on the legacy of artists such as Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson, he is noted for both his compositional skills and instrumental ability. He has worked with some exceptional musicians over time, including Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Grant Green, Dexter Gordon, McCoy Tyner and Eric Dolphy, whose classic Out To Lunch album is often considered to feature some of Hutcherson's best work from his earlier career.

Speaking about his new Kind Of Blue release, For Sentimental Reasons, Hutcherson reflects on keeping the compositional process uncluttered; "Sometimes the greatest joys in life come from the simplest things and those little feelings that go unnoticed," he says. "The greatest guy in the world comes into the room, and no-one knows he was there. It's not the meal that we are enjoying as much as the person we are sharing it with."

And so it is with this collection of tender arrangements, from the Gershwins' Embraceable You to the title track (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons. Although the playing on this recording may be understated compared to some of his other material, the subtlety of interplay between the musicians Hutcherson has surrounded himself with on this album is impressive. Renee Rosnes' piano blends softly in harmony with the vibes and Bobby acknowledges her ability to keep the music simple – "Renee knows so well how to keep things open and flowing just by all the varied harmonic suggestions and implications of what she plays," - and Dwayne Burno's bass gently underpinning the rhythmic pace of the pieces alongside Al Foster’s expressive yet measured drumming.

For Sentimental Reasons shows the more reflective side of Hutcherson's music, but at no point does he relinquish the soul and passion that is evident in his more avant-garde past. "You know," he says, "One of the hardest things in the world is to play simple, to give the listener room to become part of the creative possibilities of the experience."

Track Listing

1. (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons)
2. Ode To Angela
3. Embraceable You
4. Along Came Betty
5. Somewhere
6. Jitterbug Waltz
7. What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
8. Don’t Blame Me
9. Spring Is Here
10. I Wish I Knew
11. I’ll Be Seeing You