RIP Bobby Hutcherson

The epitome of class and touch, Bobby Hutcherson was a resident master the resident master of the vibes. His playing could wear a bow tie and tux or he could put a little grease on it if the occasion called for it.  I long ago decided that the vibraphone was my favorite jazz instrument.  And you really couldn't enjoy that instrument without coming to terms with Bobby Hutcherson.

Bobby Hutcherson didn't really make a big fuss, he was a great musician who mostly let his music speak for him.  And as a vibes player you don't want to always be out front, your greatest contribution is frequently to support the other musicians.  For 50 years he was a constant presence, he was always just there.  And like the air that we breath, you really don't take much notice until he is absent from your life.

And so it is we mourn the passing of yet another giant who has departed the physical world but left a legacy of music to carry us into a future that is just a little less bright today.

RIP Mr. Hutcherson, well done!