Vibraphone legend Bobby Hutcherson was born on this day in 1937. I first heard Bobby live in an SFJAZZ concert in 1999 celebrating three generations of vibraphonists featuring the great Milt Jackson and young lion Stefon Harris. It was an incredible night of music. I had the opportunity years later to ask Stefon Harris his thoughts on that evening and he was still mesmerized from that great night of music.

I most recently heard Bobby at Yoshi’s San Francisco for his pre-birthday concert. Bobby has had some health challenges in recent years but this night he was on fire. He played a 90 minute set of original compositions and standards including “I Thought About You”, “S’Wonderful” and a reflective rendition of “I’ll Be Seeing You.” In addition to being a fine musician, Bobby has a great sense of humor. There was even a moment during “S’Wonderful” when Bobby sang some of the lyrics. His stellar band included fellow vibraphonist Warren Wolf, Anthony Wilson on guitar, Glenn Richman on upright bass, Joe Gilman on piano, and Bobby’s son, Barry Hutcherson held down the drum chair which was previously held by drummer great Eddie Marshall who passed away last year.

Happy Birthday, Bobby! Please keep bringing us your wonderful music!

Photo Credit: James Knox

“A GREAT NIGHT IN THE FILLMORE”

Benefit Concert for The California Jazz Foundation

John Handy, NEA Jazz Master 2010: Bobby Hutcherson, Tuck & Patti, Denny Zeitlin, The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir

Hosted by Rita Moreno, Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner, legendary singer, dancer, and actress

Master of Ceremonies: Chuy Varela (KCSM)

Sunday, February 21, 2010 7-10pm
Yoshi’s
1330 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
415.655.5600
$45 in advance / $50 at the door

VIP TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! For $75 you can now purchase VIP tickets, receive VIP seating, and invitation to the VIP party and a free one-year membership with California Jazz Foundation. Please click the button below to buy VIP tickets now. If you want to purchase more than 1 ticket, you may adjust the quantity on the shopping cart page.

Sponsors: Sonoma Valley Jazz Society – Mesa Boogie – Napa Valley Jazz Society – Jazz Heritage Center – San Jose Jazz – JazzWest.com – Studio D Recording – The Recording Academy , SF Chapter – Whole Foods – Amoeba Music – Maria Maria – SIR, Studio Instrument Rentals -

For more information, please contact Roberta Donnay – rainforest@robertadonnay.com

For ticket information, http://www.californiajazzfoundation.org/bayarea.htm