Wynton Marsalis Discussion Forum

The vibraphone has long been on of my favorite instruments. I especially love the vibraphone in conjunction with a piano. I think this is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. What are some of your favorite jazz vibraphonists? Here are mine:

Bobby Hutcherson

Joe Locke

Stefon Harris

Steve Nelson

Bryan Carrott

Milt Jackson

     

Gotta go with the greatest of ‘em all, the late and very much lamented Milt “Bags” Jackson.

Among those alive (in order of preference):

 

Bobby Hutcherson

Joe Locke

Stefon Harris

Steve Nelson

     

Actually, I purposely left out Gary Burton and Lionel Hampton. Please note that the name of this thread is “Favorite Jazz Vibraphonists.” Anytime the word favorite is used it’s describing your own personal opinion.

So I didn’t leave anyone out, perhaps you did? I know I didn’t. Hampton and Burton are fine vibraphonists, but personally I don’t really care too much for their styles. This is simply my own personal opinion.

     

Was lucky enough to play for Lionel Hampton’s Kennedy Center Honor’s induction.  Gotta go with:

1) Lionel Hampton

 

2) Milt ‘Bags’ Jackson

 

3) Stefon Harris

     

careba Wrote:

———————————————————————————-

> Hi,

> up to now nobody mentioned Lionel Hampton, don´t

> know if I´m wrong on choosing his name for the

> vibrafonist list…..I liked his sound when I

> started listening recorded jazz music, and he was

> the first vibrafonist I knew of…...may be also

> because he was the most all know vibrafonist,

> participating in a great amount of Cd…..

> about his music quality

> Talking of Milt Jackson, just to say my favourite

> is a CD (Verve) by himself , Oscar Peterson, Ray

> Brown and Ed Thigspen; including a session with

> John Lewis before they were MJQ. Also his recorded

> session (Blue Note) with the Thelonious Monk

> Quintet.

> Finally, also missing in previous lists the name

> of Gary Burton.

> Best.

> C.

I agree with you there. For me like Red Norvo, he was one of the greatest jazz vibraphone players. Hampton ranks among the great names in jazz history, having worked with a who’s who of jazz musicians. I hope to learn music like these musicians.