Vibist/Marimbaist Bobby Hutcherson: "Waiting"

Tonight's Jazz Feature spotlights the late and deeply missed vibraphonist/marimbaist Bobby Hutcherson. This group was led by Hutcherson after the breakup of the ground breaking Bobby Hutcherson/ Harold Land Quintet. Bobby continued his innovative ways and formed this band of mainly San Francisco based players. Their sound was more airy and floating and lighter but no less compelling. Bobby brought in some of the positive aspects of "fusion Jazz" that prevailed in the early 70's but kept the tradition of Jazz happening. He also divided his time between the vibraphone (it has metal bars) and the marimba (it has wooden bars). which delivered an interesting contrast. Tenor and soprano saxophonist Manny Boyd added to the great sound of this band. George Cables is on electric and acoustic piano, James Leary 111 is on bass and contributes the bulk of the compositions here,. On drums is the great Eddie Marshall and Kenneth Nash on percussion. This fine album delivers a variety of great moods. The album was recorded in San Francisco in February of 1976. It was issued on Blue Note Records and called "Waiting". It was definitely worth waiting for....so enjoy it tonight;.