On the Lower East Side

by Steve Hobbs

Overview

On the Lower East Side is an appropriate title for this hard bop date, which Steve Hobbs really did record on Manhattan's Lower East Side. It was in that part of New York that the vibist/marimba player formed a cohesive quartet with pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Victor Lewis. Barron's solos alone make this CD worth the price of admission, but Hobbs is no slouch either. Although not as well known as he deserves to be, Hobbs is an expressive, swinging improviser with a recognizable sound. Though influences like Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson serve him well, Hobbs is definitely his own person. This is apparent on inspired versions of overdone warhorses (including "What Is This Thing Called Love?" and "The Song Is You") as well as Hobbs originals that range from the Brazilian-flavored "Pedra Bonita" to the intriguing "Song for Chet" (which the jazzman wrote after learning about trumpeter Chet Baker's mysterious death in May 1988). One of the CD's most imaginative tracks is "Amazing Grace," which works quite well in a bop setting. On the Lower East Side isn't Hobbs' most essential release, but it's still an album that he can be proud of. ~ Alex Henderson

Product Details

Release Date:	11/18/2008
Label:	Candid Records / Candid
UPC:	0708857970421

Tracks

1. Amazing Grace
2. Around and Around
3. Sweet and Lovely
4. The Song Is You
5. Pedra Bonita
6. Thinking of Chet
7. Au Privave
8. 18-35 (Together Again)
9. Pentachronic
10. But Beautiful
11. What Is This Thing Called Love?

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Steve Hobbs   Primary Artist,Marimba,Vibraphone
Kenny Barron   Guest Artist,Piano
Peter Washington   Bass,Bass (Acoustic)
Victor Lewis   Drums

Technical Credits

Charlie Parker   Composer
Jules LeMare   Composer
James Van Heusen   Composer
Alan Bates   Material,Producer,Executive Producer
Harry Tobias   Composer
Steve Hobbs   Composer,Producer
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Gus Arnheim   Composer
Johnny Burke   Composer
Malcolm Walker   Design,Artwork
Frank Spena   Liner Notes
Eddy & Ava Joyner   Photography
Traditional   Composer
Jerome Kern   Composer
John Newton   Composer
Cole Porter   Composer
Lou Holtzman   Engineer