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+--- Thread: Mallet Men (/showthread.php?tid=12454)
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Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 20-01-2015
Love the vibes of the vibes. Not strictly-and-only a percussion instrument, it's been in jazz use since the '30's but per the Wiki, has been successfully used in Classical mode since then too.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibraphone
We start with Lionel Hampton because we have to--he's the first important player--the master. Hated his politics, loved his playing--the story goes, he started on the vibes almost by accident and was known for sub-vocalizing with his playing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Hampton His discog runs for days, most of it good and some, outstanding--I particularly like his '55 piece with Stan Getz (an unlikely pairing of styles that works). There's also a couple of DVDs from the classic era: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lionel-hampton-mn0000833150/discography
Some tunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_rTICMVXQQ << His playing style is influenced by the fact that he started as a drummer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTEM3MQsg1M << I love this on 3 levels: music lover (natch) but also postal retiree and former stamp collector...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKYKATf8ewc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV42mm__AI0 << Not as successful but he gave it an honest shot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI5ShftxgSQ
BONUS #1: That '55 album complete: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdK145P50mE
BONUS #2: Full Golden Years concert--they tore it up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hujVbRnpLJE
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 21-01-2015
Next is a mad-cap double-time player, Terry Gibbs. Bandleader, TV music director, superior player. Had scads of good recordings over a 55 year period (look for his Dream Band recordings--all are stellar). The Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Gibbs His Discog: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/terry-gibbs-mn0000028692/discography
Some tunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8z6fwq4ZSE << A 2-fer in a typically frantic perf. Previously unk. to me, this Terry Pollard is a hellified player.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj9vePBLc-k << A PBS TV perf--some killer players, the brothers Candoli, e.g.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geUpCKiyjPc << Same appearance--even this sweet song is given a romp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCrqa6PgQ2w << Uploader's notes give players names and the soloists in order
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni5zHYQgZI0 << The song title is "Nigeria" spelt backwards. Written by Sonny Rollins in '54, it's become a classic tune.
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 22-01-2015
Gary Burton Developer of the 4-mallet technique (opened up tonal qualities). Player, composer, and for 30 years, Berklee College of Music educator. He can swing hard but emphasizes the quieter side (the Bill Evans of the mallets). Longtime association with Steve Swallow, and ECM records. And can play some organ. A Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Burton His Site: http://www.garyburton.com/ His Discog--all gems, many outstanding and one a rare 5-star: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/gary-burton-mn0000738182/discography
Some tunes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxfi0g_5CiM << W/ Chick Corea doing "Eleanor Rigby"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmMWnQcXDIs << another from this duo--they've played together for many years and it shows in the comfort factor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxtr86zmYbk << paying homage to the master innovator of modern tango, Astor Piazzolla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKA7Jm8BB_w << A definitive version of this classic--limpid, lucid, lovely. Any list of modern piano jazz masters needs to include Ozone-san
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Dtsh_BhkQ W/Pat Metheny \
MINI-BONUS: a 17-minute NPR concert w/Julian Lage on guitar (this guy's making a serious name for himself): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXjfvEcAV6w
BONUS: a full hour concert in France in '13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CTEx_MJmhg
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 22-01-2015
Cal Tjader A Swedish-American plying Latin jazz to Gringos in the US..and it was real Latin and real jazz. Started as a drummer and played with Dave Brubeck, among others (spent 5 years as a sideman). His first group was Latin and he never looked back (though he had some good West Coast-styled bop discs). Made Latin jazz palatable to the mid-stream Gringo world long before that Getz/Byrd bossa nova album. Died at 56 of a heart attack. Recorded for 30+ years--look for his piece with Carmen MacRae and also with Stan Getz. A Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_Tjader A reviewed Discog--2 live pieces are 5-star but all of them are good++: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/cal-tjader-mn0000643549/discography
Some tunes (clear a space--you're gonna dance or move body parts around): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q3rsMtCfPY << crude but effective early vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRVdzzMgco0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMvcfCeCLS4 << off a later album--lawsy, does it rock!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk0Wum7JUD4 << "Nica" is not just a person's name--it's a rubric for Nicaraguans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUFalcFlY70 << electronic keys, strings, soppy charts, whatever--it's always Mr. Tjader's show
BONUS: a full '64 Album--"Show More" and see the great players on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxc_9DiqZ0 << Some other full albums available on YT
He's got close to 200 entries on YT--have big fun.
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 23-01-2015
Milt Jackson Not only the leader of the MJQ (Modern Jazz Quartet qv) for 40+ years, he was a sideman to everybody important, band leader, sponsor of others' projects--Mr. Jazz. If you listen widely to modern jazz, you'll hear him or his influence. Gone on for 15 years but he will live forever. Never championed a particular style 'cuz he could play them all with mastery--he was the rising tide that lifted all boats. His Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milt_Jackson His discog as a soloist/band leader: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/milt-jackson-mn0000489845/discography << 2 are 5-Star, many more that ache to be included and no turkeys--class and style all the way. 2 of my faves are At the Kosei Nankin (2-CD set) and Reverence and Compassion.
Some tunes on his own but do look up the MJQ--sheer brilliance there.:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5u7TZhL22U << Commenter 92ninersboy has it right. Top-notch band; nicely-shot vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSPJ96pRTI0 << W/Bobby Hutcherson + LeDonne/Roker << 2 masters romping a mid-tempo ballad--OH MY.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8l_o2R7w84 << A Dizzy Gillespie tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMI3wngqQg << It's unlikely you will ever hear a better rendition of Mr. Jackson's namesake tune--Toots and 2 outstanding horn players
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYecVqjh5aM << From Montreux (when it wasn't nearly as important as now but jazz-only) << a band for the ages
BONUS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVeRyML1IEE << Not just an important album, a beautiful (and hot) important album--put this on and let your mind and soul float on.
This post is a total gush because I loved his playing so much. OTT, I know,...
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 23-01-2015
The great bright hope of mallet jazz Stefon Harris He's opened up the instrument in all kinds of ways and getting invited to play in the Classical Jazz Quartet was a signal honor. Don't mess with him either--he was the captain of his HS wrestling team. He's been a sideman on projects both in and out of jazz. His Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefon_Harris His Site: http://www.stefonharris.com/ << opens with music (I wish they wouldn't do that but...) AMG Discog: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/stefon-harris-mn0000019334/discography << All outstanding though 03's G.U.T. is a trifle bizarre, as the review makes clear.
Some tunes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpLPVMWlLKI << with his long-time unit, Blackout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp9mhDyhru8 << recorded in Havana, Cuba--there were exceptions to that U.S. former travel ban--"artistic" is one such << his bandmate, trumpeter/composer/producer Christian Scott, is another one to keep track of, his debut album getting a Grammy nomination...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUwjpqB-GjQ << w/ Kenny Barron, a long-time great, quite cerebral, who doesn't play with mutts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwva4wgqSIU << Vibes AND marimba simultaneously--had those insiders (and me) mesmerized
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fHjLBhG2M << W/ Christian Sands, a younger pianist to follow closely going forward
BONUS: An interesting TED talk/playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7shXEFuxHAA
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 28-01-2015
A guy who brings melody and accessibility to the "free jazz" and experimental projects he's done but he plays more conventional material with skill and conviction. Khan Jamal. His discog as leader: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/khan-jamal-mn0000075920/discography << only 15 discs in 30 years, because he's mostly involved in others' projects (see bio).>> http://www.allmusic.com/artist/khan-jamal-mn0000075920/biography << No Website but doubtless active in social media.
Some tunes (get set for a ride): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHegNm1ffCE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjd2VOGaLKs << the thinking/feeling person's chill-out song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUmAa3Vw_C8 << These folks know how to build a tune. Exemplary. Perhaps that's why the right side of YT ("Up Next") came up with this: from '71 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEmCGum4O7c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9sbO_ROX3Q << experimental jazz, not to every taste
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti2grjrvyA0 << club appearance near Philly--perf ends at 2:30 ("Nubian Queen"), Q&A thereafter
Mallet Men - SteveO - 30-01-2015
Peter Appleyard is the foremost Canadian (British born) vibraphonist. I remember watching his weekly show on CBC TV ! I was amazed by it and never missed an episode. Peter left us two years ago and his legacy is extensive as a composer, band leader, and band member with such notables as Benny Goodman and Mel Torme.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Appleyard#Working_with_Benny_Goodman_and_lat er_career
Here are some videos displaying his playing style!
[video=youtube;GN8WzYf3jQk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN8WzYf3jQk[/video] - The classic Tangerine performed live in the CBC studios!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omAfdmxni4w - With the incomparable Canadian treasure Molly Johnson!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gq8-l7Ekp8&index=4&list=PLiRcWLriZTA-EVjFq3lXpAjNZjrpTOqHF - Peter Gunn theme from 1955! ..very cool!..what great playing all around!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQAFJFGsTHQ&list=PLiRcWLriZTA-EVjFq3lXpAjNZjrpTOqHF&index=13 - Another Duke Ellington classic!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUeGFPi7uM0&index=70&list=PLiRcWLriZTA-EVjFq3lXpAjNZjrpTOqHF - Interesting dialogue from Peter
mentioning the greats.. Red Norvo, Milt Jackson and Lionel Hampton! and his impersonisations of the famous vibe players!!...picture quality is sub par.
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 30-01-2015
Awesome share of a great song, Bro SteveO. All those solos were unobtrusive "star turns"--I especially enjoyed hearing that the bass is a guitar albeit over-scaled. Mind if I go on a bit? :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Appleyard http://www.allmusic.com/artist/peter-appleyard-mn0000312791/discography << Only 5 discs in the catalog but all superior. A CBC appreciation and some tunes: http://music.cbc.ca/#!/music/artist.aspx?name=Peter-Appleyard
Some other tunes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlFco9u3hZM << An episode of "Peter Appleyard Presents...", this time with a very young Scott Hamilton on sax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QWyBpMyBeg << a history of jazz vibes, courtesy of Mr. Appleyard's spot-on impersonations of classic player--great fun--all manner of inside jokes, well understood by the hip audience in Switzerland. Stay 'til the end when he comps on the piano to Hank Jones and everybody's amusement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16D7MQ6PIUc << As part of Benny Goodman's sextet in '76--what a great totally-in sync swing unit this was!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AajcXFA-7MU << All these women singers deserve your attention and appreciation. Just sayin'... I ordered a copy mere minutes ago...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caRhwycYx80 << Interesting treatment of a tune I've always loved.
Mallet Men - jazzboCR - 01-02-2015
Johnny Lytle The best vibes player you never heard of--because he was never on a major label and never took proper care of his business, as this article makes clear: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/entertainment/music/the-real-johnny-lytle-good-vibes-bad-business/nNscq/ A wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Lytle His discog: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/johnny-lytle-mn0000243164/discography
...cut short by me watching that football contest...
So now, some tunes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb4gF-m8Dew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7oGsY69apY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNd22BD-INE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LjYf72zmOU << an all-star session
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdvxQy_RyLE