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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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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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.

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Joe Locke: On the Ascension, Part 1-2

by John Kelman
June 23, 2004

Part 1 | Part 2 While vibraphonist Joe Locke has been on the scene for over twenty years, it is only in the past half decade or so that his name has begun to reach a broader audience. This is in no small part due to his participation in two seminal groups: British reed player Tim Garland's Storms/Nocturnes Trio, which also features pianist Geoff Keezer and, perhaps most importantly, Locke's current group project, 4 Walls of Freedom, which ...

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Joe Locke & 4 Walls of Freedom: Dear Life

by John Kelman
April 6, 2004

Following one of the most critically acclaimed records of your career can be tough; doubly so when one of the key group members has tragically passed on. Vibraphonist Joe Locke, who scored big with 2003's 4 Walls of Freedom , was faced with exactly that challenge. Between the time the album was recorded and released tenor saxophonist Bob Berg met with a tragic accident, leaving the future of the ensemble in serious question. A year later Locke has managed to ...