Sedona, AZ: Bobby Hutcherson, whose career as a vibraphone master spans more than half a century and includes collaborations with the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Les McCann, Al Grey, Herbie Hancock, and fellow Sedona Jazz on the Rocks (SJOR) veteran Billy Mitchell, will receive the SJOR Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th annual all-day jazzfest on Saturday, September 27, at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort.
Hutcherson and his quartet will close out the full-day concert event on the lawn at the sprawling, red-rock framed resort at 3:45 p.m. The music begins that morning at 10 a.m., with the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Youth Jazz Band. The Tony Monaco Trio follows at 10:50 a.m., with Dom-Moio-led Cinco de Moio & Salome at 12:45 p.m., and vocalist Giacomo Gates playing at 2:10 p.m.
The 2008 Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival includes nearly a week of both free and ticketed events throughout the Sedona area. Individual tickets and packages are available. For tickets and information, visit www.sedonajazz.com or call 928-282-1985.
“Bobby Hutcherson is a jazz icon, one of so many who have graced our stage, but an artist who stands alone in his impact and reach,” said Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Executive Director Carol Golden. “We are truly honored to be able to present him with this award.”
Fittingly, Hutcherson’s diverse, often free-wheeling style that can swing from soulful blues to “thoughtful intensity” started developing when he gave up the formality of piano training he found stifling, even at age nine.
Born in Los Angeles in 1941, he decided to take up the vibraphone after hearing a Milt Jackson record and, for the most part, is self-taught. Today, when jazz’ greatest vibrists are mentioned, Hutcherson’s name rolls out alongside those of Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Ray Ayers and Gary Burton, with whom he is inextricably linked through their use of four mallets rather than the traditional two.
Hutcherson’s career began at local high school dances, playing later with McCann and Charles Lloyd. After moving to San Francisco, he joined an ensemble co-led by Al Grey and Mitchell that recorded several albums. During this time, Hutcherson frequently played chords using the four-mallet technique because there was no pianist in the group. Since then, he uses the technique only occasionally.
In 1961, the group went east for a gig at Birdland in New York City where Hutcherson, then 20 years old, decided to stay. While in New York, he began performing with remarkable group of artists including Hank Mobley and Hancock, leading to a contract with Blue Note in 1963. Only one artist maintained a longer relationship with Blue Note, which ended with the label’s demise in 1977.
