Search - Bobby Hutcherson :: Happenings

One for the Ages

Richard B. Luhrs | Jackson Heights, NY United States | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even by the supremely high standards of Blue Note Records in the mid-1960s, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson's HAPPENINGS was a rare event. This superb quartet session (with Herbie Hancock on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass and Joe Chambers on drums) remains not only the pinnacle of Hutcherson's outstanding career but one of the absolute best of sixties jazz dates - no mean accomplishment on either hand.

With six originals by Hutcherson and the finest "cover" of Hancock's classic "Maiden Voyage" ever attempted, HAPPENINGS is a thoroughly modern set, but also a more mainstream one than many of Hutcherson's other recordings from the era. The brisk, edgy "Aquarian Moon" modulates flawlessly into the aching beauty of "Bouquet," both tracks making the most of the de facto chops duel between Hutcherson and Hancock which is the most crucial component of this date's success. The lack of horns allows a level of interplay between these two men - indeed, between all four men - which would be inconceivable with a larger front line. Few other jazz albums epitomize the ideal of a group of musicians thinking and playing as one quite as well as HAPPENINGS, and I mean that most seriously. From the rousing flash of "Rojo" through "Maiden Voyage"'s awe-inspiring maintenance of restrained power, the reflective yet dignified sentiment of "When You Are Near" to the inspired silliness of "Omen" (the sole avant-garde number here), everything works, connects, complements and convinces. This is a statement of musical purpose as fully realized as any you're likely to hear, and a singularly bright feather in the cap of everyone involved.

Sadly, HAPPENINGS is also one of far too many classic albums which Blue Note has been unforgivably late in reissuing Stateside. The 24-bit Rudy Van Gelder remaster of this date has existed since at least 1998, when it was released in Japan, but is only now seeing the light of day in the home of jazz (and Bobby Hutcherson). I can't imagine why this is so; but at least HAPPENINGS is happening once again, and that's something all fans of good music should be truly glad to hear."

Masterpiece from An American National Treasure

Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 10/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


There is not a dull note or wasted beat on this masterpiece from 1966. This is a direct replication of the original album. It swings from the first track AQUARIAN MOON and never lets up climaxing in one of my all-time favourite tracks THE OMEN, which is a nod towards free music. Six out of seven tracks are by the leader, and major jazz master Mr Hutcherson, and one by the renowned Mr Hancock - MAIDEN VOYAGE which rivals its twin on the album of the same name, one of the most famous single tracks in all modern jazz. Along with this track, there is a waltz BOUQUET with an amazing solo by Mr Hutcherson, a Spanish flavoured number, ROJO, a ballad WHEN YOU ARE NEAR, which provide a beautifully balanced programme of music. After many, many listenings over 30 years I am still touched by the feeling and inventiveness of this beautiful music. Compare it to THROB to see how lightweight THROB is (Mr Jarrett and Mr Burton). I believe BOUQUET and THE OMEN can sit quite comfortably alongside other masterpieces in the music, such as John Lewis' DJANGO, or Mr Hubbard's RED CLAY. It's one of my "can't live without this music" discs. It's also got one of the sexiest and best designed covers ever by Reid Miles."

It's Finally "Happenings"

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 09/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bobby Hutcherson's "Dialogue" is an undisputed modern jazz masterpiece, but in the last twenty years, the average fan would have been hard pressed to locate a second Blue Note album by the vibraphonist. Yes, many of his albums have been available as limited edition titles in the Connoisseur Series, or briefly at the dawn of the CD era before drifting out-of-print. But with the recent reissue of "Oblique" (see my review) and now "Happenings" in the RVG Edition Series, other Hutch discs are finally receiving a permanent place in the EMI catalog. Recorded on February 8, 1966, "Happenings" is the first of two memorable quartet albums the vibes-man made with pianist Herbie Hancock and drummer Joe Chambers. (Both men appeared previously on "Components," but that was a sextet date.) After penning no original material for "Dialogue" and only half of "Components," Hutch provides six of seven compositions here, with the exception being a stripped-down version of Hancock's "Maiden Voyage." With this date, Hutcherson's writing is beginning to take on a stark, modern voice, particularly on "Aquarian Moon" and the enchanting "Bouquet." After being out-of-print for more than fifteen years, I'm delighted that "Happenings" is happening once again, though I am a bit surprised that EMI didn't update the cheesy cover, as they did for "Oblique.""