One of my favorite instruments is the vibraphone, or vibes, as they are commonly known. Over the years, three performers stand out as the best vibes players ever: Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, and Gary Burton. Since Lionel was the man who brought this instrument to the forefront, let’s look at him first.
Hampton’s years as one of the best ever started before I was born. In fact, in the year I was born, he performed with Benny Goodman in the 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert. He was part of the big band and also played vibes with the BG quartet. Not only was he a great vibraphonist, he was also an accomplished pianist, percussionist, bandleader, and actor. To listen to some of his best works, go to YouTube and type in “Lionel Hampton All Stars – Stardust.” I am sure this will put you in a dreamy mood. “Hamp” is joined by some of the all time greats, as you will see in the still shots while they play. It’s a long cut but well worth your time, as this is a classic! Be sure to go to Benny Goodman and the 1938 concert to listen to “Hamp’s” work in the quartet, especially “Don’t Be That Way.”
Red Norvo had the distinction of being in a movie with Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood. Tony Curtis plays the part of a trumpeter, but actually it’s the great Pete Candoli doing the playing. To see the video on YouTube, type in “Tony Curtis in a Jam Session with Red Norvo, 1958.” I think you will enjoy hearing Sinatra singing my favorite song by him with Red’s quintet behind him. Type in “Frank Sinatra & Red Norvo Quintet Live 1959, I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” You’ll find more videos of Red Norvo once on YouTube.
Gary Burton takes us to a new era with his style and the music of his generation. Without a doubt, he is the best technician of these three great players. Interestingly, he grew up on an Indiana farm community and is self-taught. He does a great deal of paying it forward by putting on clinics at schools. Listen to him with Pat Metheny on guitar as they perform at a 2008 jazz festival. This music is a totally different genre from that of Hampton and Norvo and is a totally advanced technique by Burton. On YouTube, type “Gary Burton Quartet feat. Pat Metheny – live.” Once on that site, you will have many choices of other performances by Burton. I especially like his work with Chick Corea at a 2011 jazz festival. Type in “Chick Corea & Gary Burton – Eleanor Rigby.” Finally, try “Chick Corea Gary Burton Vibraphone Duet.”
I hope this gives you an appreciation for this instrument and its virtuosos.
Live Music Calendar:
Roger Reupert & Friends – Friday, Feb. 1 in The Listening Room at 8 p.m. at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Parks, Dole Mansion, Crystal Lake. Call 815-455-8000 for tickets.
Elgin Symphony Orchestra – February Events (See website for full details – www.elginsymphony.org/1213season.php)
Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. / Feb. 10, 2:30 p.m. – Sublime Delight – Donato Cabrera, conductor, Alexander Schimpf, piano, Elgin Choral Union, Heartland Voices, Hemmens Cultural Center.
Feb. 24 – A Very Windy Afternoon – Randal Swiggum, host. A one-hour concert treat for the entire family. Activities before the concert put everyone in the mood for music and fun!
Note: Family concerts begin at 3:30 p.m., with activities beginning at 2:00 p.m. Hemmens Cultural Center.
One more thing: Gary Krewer plays great tunes on Huntley radio each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Check it out at huntleyradio.com!
