Skyline is Bobby Hutcherson with a handpicked all-star line-up from the next generation.
Bobby Hutcherson – Skyline (Verve, 1999)
Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson stood at the centre of the new jazz in the 1960s, recording seminal albums with Eric Dolphy, Archie Shepp, and Andrew Hill. Hutcherson’s Blue Note albums from the 1960s reads something like a who’s who of modern jazz as they feature sidemen like pianists Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Chick Corea.
When Hutcherson recorded Skyline, he was a jazz veteran at 57 years, and he could cherry pick musicians from the younger generation. Kenny Garret from Miles Davis’ last band is the alto saxophonist, Christian McBride is the bassist, and Geri Allen the pianist. Al Foster on drums is the only veteran besides Hutcherson.
For Hutcherson who had collaborated with the best pianist of his generation it seems logical that he should chose Geri Allen from the new generation since she was very much their musical heir in her sense of tradition and exploring novel approaches to the instrument.
In a sentimental mood
Hutcherson and Allen have the same kind of close musical rapport as the vibraphonist had with Hancock and Tyner, and she is the only musicians other than Hutcherson which appears on every track. They perform as a duo on Hutcherson’s ballad “Candle.” After accompanying Hutcherson, Allen plays a short solo which matches the leader’s in depth and lyricism.
Hutcherson and Allen perform as a trio with McBride on the pretty “Love Theme from Superman” by John Williams, and as a quartet with Foster added on Hancock’s ballad “Chan’s Song” from the movie Round Midnight which starred both Hutcherson and Hancock. Allen’s more powerful playing can be heard on Hutcherson’s “Who’s Got You?” which is played by the whole quintet.
It is a varied, well-played album. All the musicians sound inspired, especially Allen who makes this album happen on many levels. Sometimes Hutcherson choices of songs are a bit sentimental, but it also makes the album readily available for audiences not that familiar with the art form.
Jazz Desk 