Bobby HUTCHERSON - Stick-Up! 1966

Bobby HUTCHERSON - Stick-Up! 1966

Jazz

Like Happenings,  Stick Up! features a strong group of Hutcherson compositions (plus Ornette's "Una Muy Bonita"). But this set is much more extroverted than the one from two months earlier. In fact, the entirely new line up of sidemen brings an appealing edge to the proceedings. All of the tunes are strong, but I especially love "Verse," which has a Coltrane-like, loping intensity. Of course, this has a great deal to do with Tyner's presence, but Henderson also imprints the music with his own indelible stamp.
Tremendous.
**
Bobby Hutcherson's STICK-UP!, an all-star date from 1966, is a bit of a departure from the musician's regular Blue Note sessions of the time. Featuring saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Herbie Lewis, and drummer Billy Higgins, this album has a distinct straight-ahead feel in comparison with more esoteric sessions like PATTERNS or COMPONENTS. Nonetheless, this date finds Hutcherson in top form, with excellent dexterity on the vibes and stunning solo spots that match those of his distinguished guests.
STICK-UP! is also unique in that Hutcherson himself composed all but one of the tracks, Ornette Coleman's "Una Muy Bonita." Hutcherson's burning "8/4 Beat" is a very bebop flavored number that features dynamic work from Henderson. The wistful "Summer Nights" is a gentle ballad-a perfect showcase for Hutcherson's highly sensitive mallet work. A high point of the disc is the challenging "Black Circle," a demanding piece that Hutcherson and Henderson pull off expertly before launching into a blistering solo section. Likewise, the closing "Blues Mind Matter" is a powerful hard-bop statement from this most engaging vibraphone master.
From Cduniverse.
**
Bobby has it all together on this 1966 release. His vibes ring like bells, his band is tight, and the compositions are stellar. This is great mainstream Blue Note stuff, but the work is challenging and it makes for rewarding listening.
Three tracks stand out for me. The angular and rhythmically unpredictable "8/4" features fine interplay between Hutcherson, tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson and pianist McCoy Tyner. "Summer Nights" is a lovely ballad that displays Bobby's lucid tone and lyrical touch. It also offers a good early look at the way he meshed his sound with Tyner's. The two would go on to develop that partnership in the '80s and '90s. "Verse," which Hutcherson says in the liner notes refers to the literary sense of the word, is indeed an aural poem and one of satisfyingly controlled intensity. It starts out slowly but builds in power with Henderson delivering a particularly inspired performance.
This is Blue Note at its best: Great musicians playing with fire and inspiration on well-crafted material.
Never a dull moment.
By Tyler Smith.
**
Bobby Hutcherson- (Vibraphone);
Joe Henderson- (Tenor Saxophone);
McCoy Tyner- (Piano);
Herbie Lewis- (Bass);
Billy Higgins- (Drums).
**
01. Una Muy Bonita  6.27
02. 8/4 Beat   6.59
03. Summer Nights  6.59
04. Black Circle  6.56
05. Verse  9.32
06. Blues Mind Matter  3.32
**
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