Little B’s Poem
Bobby Hutcherson
Free-flowing Vibes
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West Coast vibraphone and marimba player Bobby Hutcherson was first inspired to play by the “Miles Davis and The Modern Jazz Giants” rendition of “Bemsha Swing” as a twelve year boy.
Little B as he was known stared performing professionally during the late 1950s working on the Sunset Strip in the company of Curtis Amy, Carmell Jones, Eric Dolphy and Charles Lloyd.
Bobby made his debut recordings on August 3, 1960 on a single released by the “Les McCann Trio” and would go on to be one of the longest running Blue Note recording artists with a career spanning from 1963 to 1977.
He developed a free melodic style similar to that of Milt Jackson with a modern sense of harmony.
Hutcherson served as an influence on younger vibraphonists, Steve Nelson and Stefon Harris.
His interests have included experimental free jazz and post-bop modern.
One of Bobby’s most famous compositions is “Little B’s Poem”, from his 1965 album “Components”.
Bobby Hutcherson performs with his quartet in 1985.
Personnel:
Bobby Hutcherson, vibraphone
Cedar Walton, piano
Eddie Marshall, drums
David Williams, bass
Ella Fitzgerald