Search - Bobby Hutcherson :: Happenings

4 1/2 stars

fluffy, the human being. | forest lake, mn | 04/13/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"if you're looking to add some vibes to your jazz collection, this is a fine fine album, and would make a good choice. mr hutcherson is a fantastic vibes player, and is joined here by herbie hancock on piano, bob cranshaw on bass, and joe chambers on drums. the entire album is special, but the tune that i really want to give a shout out about is "bouquet," a stunningly gorgeous slow-tempo piece that has soul-stirring interplay between the bass and vibes. one of my favorite slow jazz numbers of all-time. if you are considering picking up a copy of this album, i say "do it!""

The Prolific Bobby Hutcherson

Brian D. Fitzpatrick | Medford, MA | 09/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hutcherson's idol was Milt Jackson.Everyone has them.I feel that's where the initial sparks of inspiration come from for any given pursuit to give one confidence and direction.But it is hard to shake off that initial and profound inspiration and find your own voice.Hutcherson's first viable breakthrough was during his tenure with the Al Grey-Billy Mitchell combo in SanFrancisco,he then worked with Jackie Mclean in New York,where he met Eric Dolphy.Which led to his contributions on Eric Dolphy's Blue Note session 'Out to Lunch'.Soon after he became a leader,and 'found his own voice','Dialogue',and 'Components,two superb records on Blue Note.His gradual exposure quickly caught the attention of Freddie Hubbard and Andrew Hill.The rest is history.

'Happenings' finds him in the company of Herbie Hancock(piano),Bob Cranshaw(bass),and Joe Chambers(drums).Joe Chambers's ideas and approach apparently

caught Tony Williams's ear.As there approaches are quite similar.What a compliment to the great maestro Joe Chambers.The quartet really smokes on 'Head Start',what a great rhythm section.Chambers is on fire,and Bobby and Herbie burn this one on both ends.Great selection of tunes.All the tunes are from Hutcherson's pen,with the exception of 'Maiden Voyage,by Herbie,another incredible writer.Hope you enjoy this one."

Bobby and Herbie create a masterwork

Dennis W. Wong | 10/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a toss up as to which album is the better of Hutcherson-Hancock colloborations (I also dig him with McCoy Tyner as well), this one or "Oblique" which was recorded 2 yrs later. It would probably be this one since I've worn out the record several times and now have played the CD more times than "Oblique". Certainly the selection of tunes like the Satie-like "Bouquet" or "When You are Near" bring out the beauty of Hutch's vibes. And let us not forget the latin-tinged "Rojo" or the modal tunes such as Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" and Hutcherson's "Aquarian Moon". All in all a classic album with the superb drumming of Joe Chambers!!"