Jazz Articles about Joe Locke

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Joe Locke / Christos Rafalides Vibes / Mallet Duo: Van Gogh by Numbers

by John Kelman
March 13, 2006

If jazz is a marginalized genre and the vibraphone is a marginalized instrument within that genre, then Van Gogh by Numbers--an album of vibes and marimba duets--is clearly a first. But the idea of an intimate series of mallet duets will come as no surprise to listeners familiar with Joe Locke, who's been active for over two decades but has garnered considerably more attention in recent years. Whether with his own band, Four Walls of Freedom; his collaborative New Sound ...

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Joe Locke: Are You Ready for Him?

by Jason West
November 17, 2005

Are you ready for Joe Locke? Are you ready for Joe Locke? Well you best get ready, Seattle, because he's getting ready for you. That's the word out of NYC where the cutting edge, critically-acclaimed vibraphonist has been rehearsing a new band with new music arranged especially for November 19, Locke's date with the Ballard Jazz Festival. A world premiere of sorts. Raise your hand if you dig, Seattle. And for those of you not yet hip to the Lockeness ...

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Joe Locke: Rev-elation

by John Kelman
October 13, 2005

Some instruments are so popular that tracing a contemporary artist's roots can be complicated--and one player's influences can be diametrically opposed to those of another. Saxophonist Eric Alexander's foundation in Dexter Gordon, for example, differs substantially from David Liebman's post-Coltrane sensibility. But with less commonplace instruments like the vibraphone, it's easier to trace a clear lineage. The influence of the late Milt Jackson is so all-encompassing that one would be challenged to find a vibraphonist who hasn't been touched by ...

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Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time Is Here

by Jim Santella
October 4, 2004

Dianne Reeves puts her personal touch on each of these Christmas carols. Nothing remains ordinary. Each arrangement lets her flow with the freedom that she has always enjoyed in her performances.

Reeves' voice makes each of these traditional pieces float with heartfelt joy. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire," she sings. The scene comes to life as natural as any other day of the season. Peace settles in gracefully.

“Santa Claus is on his way / ...

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Joe Locke & 4 Walls Of Freedom: Dear Life

by Elliott Simon
September 25, 2004

Consider the following: A musical concept that allows for total freedom within the context of the four walls of melody, rhythm, harmony and form is brought to fruition. Each player brings to this space instrumental virtuosity, a unique timbre, and a personal sense of dynamics and coloration. The first heady energetic foray into these circumscribed confines is a success. But then terrible tragedy strikes outside the walls and we learn how Dear Life really is.

With last year's 4 Walls ...

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Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time Is Here

by Mark Sabbatini
September 21, 2004

This is one of those albums that's not really ideal for playing while opening gifts Christmas morning--in a very good sense.

Christmas Time Is Here is an above-average and sometimes spectacular album that doesn't deserve to compete with screaming kids and tearing paper for the listener's ear. Reeves is on a tear lately with three straight Grammy-winning albums, and this release will undoubtedly win a place on the long-term holiday playlists of fans and new listeners. But ...

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Joe Locke: On the Ascension, Part 2-2

by John Kelman
June 24, 2004

Part 1 | Part 2 Vibraphonist Joe Locke, while present on the music scene for over twenty years, has only recently begun to carve a unique place for himself with projects including woodwind player Tim Garland's Storms/Nocturnes Trio and his own 4 Walls of Freedom band. Part 1 of this interview examined Locke's development as an artist, and how he got to where he is today. Part II picks up with the beginnings of the Storms/Nocturnes Trio.