|
|
|
|
Joe Locke is regarded by many to be the most gifted vibraphonist
of his generation. In addition to his strengths as an instrumentalist,
the recent recordings and live performances by the Joe Locke &
Geoffrey Keezer Quartet, the Milt Jackson Tribute Band and his group
"4 Walls of Freedom", offer evidence of his ever-growing stature
as a band leader, composer and conceptualist.
The critical community continually cites Joe Locke for his artistic
work. "There seems little doubt that Locke, with his ability to
play cool and funky, heady and relaxed, is set to become the pre-eminent
vibraphonist in jazz." (The Times, London) Joe has been voted the
#1 vibist in DownBeat Magazine's Critic's Poll (TDWR) and Brazil's
International Jazz Poll. Locke has recorded 20 cds as a band leader,
including the critically acclaimed "Moment to Moment", a tribute
to the music of Henry Mancini. As producer and as a sideman, he
appears on more than 65 recordings.
|
The Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group
Live in Seattle (2006)
|
Track Listing
* Van Gogh By Numbers
* Honu
* Fractured
* Native Son
* Miramar
* Tulipa
* The King (for T.M.)
Joe Locke - vibes
Geoffrey Keezer - piano / keyboards
Mike Pope - acoustic & electric basses
Terreon Gully - drums
Recorded live during their performance
at the 2005 Ballard Jazz Festival, this group features Joe
Locke on vibes, Geoff Keezer on piano and keyboards, Mike
Pope on bass and Terreon Gully on drums.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group
Live in Seattle (2006)
Liner Notes
Sometimes all it takes is a reason. This time it
came in the form of an invitation from John Bishop and Matt Jorgensen
to bring a band to the 2005 Ballard Jazz Festival.
Now, my arm doesn't need twisting to get me to go to Seattle, even
just to hang out. Throw in three of my all-time favorite musicians,
a very cool Seattle audience, and two guys who really know how to
throw a party, and the only question remaining is, "What'd the runner-up
get?"
Although the Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group have recorded and
toured in Japan, the 2005 Ballard Jazz Festival was our first stateside
concert as a unit. I'm happy that we were able to present this new
music to such receptive ears, in an environment conducive to giving
a good performance.
The fact that it was so well recorded, and that it is now finding
its way to your ears, makes me feel grateful indeed. So, here's
to Seattle, to folks who come together in community to share good
things, and to the Ballard Jazz Festival for giving us all a reason.
Joe Locke
New York City April, 2006
For
more information, videos and music on Live in Seattle visit Joe
Locke's web site.
|
"(...)Locke is a joy to watch as well
as to hear. An extremely animated performer, he's in constant motion.
His lean form dressed in faded jeans, a crisp white shirt open at the
collar and a black sport coat, his wavy silver hair slicked back, constantly
mouthing/scatting along with his serpentine lines, he appeared to be playing
the instrument and the music with his whole body, mind and soul: nothing
was held back.
There is also a deep spirituality evident in his music, and - like all
true spirituality - it has a sense of humor. He plays with a very clean,
clear, crisp sound, eschewing tremolo and sustain for the most part. If
he ever sells off a set of his vibes on eBay, a fellow malleteer should
snap 'em up post-haste: the motor will likely be good as new. Keezer took
a fleet, fluid solo that showed why he is one of the most widely respected
keyboard players of his generation."
Read
the whole Bill Barton's review at All About Jazz
"Locke’s compositions bookend the
set. “Van Gogh By the Numbers” starts out with a clanging set of chords
and brief melodic passage from Locke and Keezer before Keezer sends his
electronic lines bubbling and twising over Gully and Pope. It’s on the
funky end of the playlist, a fusiony post bop swirl somewhat reminiscent
of Hiromi with vibes. Locke’s solo is more down to earth but a bouncey
journey with some rapidly repeating and spiraling phrases. Gulley sends
a frenetic pepper spray of pops, pushing the keyboard vamp that runs in
tandem with Pope’s bass antics; the more lyrical theme returns as if re-entering
the earth’s atmosphere"
by
Andrea Canter. Read the whole review at JazzPolice.com
|
|
Tracks from Fallen Angel
and Live in Seattle
are featured on
"Fuse This Jazz" program
Photograph by R. Andrew Lepley,
courtesy of www.joelocke.com
| News |
|
Detroit Jazz Festival 2006: Joe Locke & The Milt Jackson
Tribute Band is honored to headline the Detroit Jazz Festival on
Labor Day, September 4th, in Bag's hometown.
Italian Tour: Joe Locke & The Milt Jackson Tribute Band will
tour Italy during January 25 - February 2007
UK Tour: The Music of Tim Garland and Graham Fitkin: (w/
Geoffrey Keezer, John Patitucci + Neil Percy and other members of
the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra)
March 12 - 22, 2007
ˇCaliente Latin Jazz with Eddie Palmieri "El Sonido Nuevo Revisited".
Joe appeared as a special guest with the Latin music master on his
new radio show. Keep checking www.joelocke.com for upcoming information
about the broadcasting date. Samples of the show can be heard here
>
Joe Locke on National Public Radio
September 07, 2006: "Citizen Tain": Jeff 'Tain' Watts Band - feat.
Paul Bollenback, John Benitez, Joe Locke, Ravi Coltrane, Joe Barbato,
David Budway, Luisito Quintero (hosted by Ed Bradley, recorded April
2002) Webcast, USA - Jazz at Lincoln Center
December 07, 2006: John Hicks & Joe Locke duo concert (hosted
by Ed Bradley, recorded March 2002) Webcast, USA - Jazz at Lincoln
Center
Rev.elation Band The Milt Jackson Tribute Band have changed
their name to Rev-elation in order to reflect the popularity of
the Sharp Nine recording of the same name. Visit the Rev.elation
project online >
Joe will be recording with saxophonist/clarinettist Eddie Daniels
in October.
|
Listen to Joe Locke's Music
|
