Joe Locke is regarded by many to be the most gifted vibraphonist of his generation. In addition to his strengths as an instrumentalist, recent recordings and live performances , offer evidence of his ever-growing stature as a band leader, composer and conceptualist.
Joe Locke has released more than 30 recordings as a band leader, and appeared on more than 120 albums as a guest artist.
As a jazz musician, Locke was precocious, having played with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Pepper Adams and Mongo Santamaria before he was even out of high school. Since moving to New York City in 1981, Joe has performed with Grover Washington Jr., Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Daniels, Jerry Gonzales' Fort Apache Band, Rod Stewart, The Beastie Boys, Eddie Henderson, Hiram Bullock, Bob Berg, Ron Carter, Jimmie Scott, Geoffrey Keezer, The Mingus Big Band and Randy Brecker, among many others. Joe has toured extensively throughout the world, both as leader and guest soloistand has twice received the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) Award for “Mallet Player of the Year” and numerous other accolades for his music.
Joe Locke's online Music Shop
”Joe Locke is a wonderful young man who's all about the music, all the time!
You can hear it in every note he plays.” (Bobby Hutcherson)
“Joe Locke's playing and writing have been an absolute joy to this vibist's ears
that have been starving to hear a player who challenges himself on every
tune. Joe is constantly pushing the envelope musically. The cat is going into
orbit soon .... I love it!” (Mike Manieri)
“Not only has he mastered an instrument that has catapulted only a handful
of players to the forefront of modern jazz - but he has done so in a way that
transcends mere technique and establishes him as a unique and adventurous
musical voice.” (Derk Richardson, SanFrancisco Bay Guardian)
“In the select group of contemporary vibes players, Locke has claims to head
the list.” (Penguin Encyclopedia of Jazz)
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