Bobby Hutcherson - Montara (1975)

Bobby Hutcherson - Montara (1975)

Bobby Hutcherson was one of the most influential and innovative jazz vibraphonists of all time. He was known for his adventurous and expressive style, as well as his collaborations with some of the greatest jazz musicians of his era, such as Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Eric Dolphy, and Joe Henderson. In 1975, he released one of his most acclaimed albums, Montara, on the legendary Blue Note label.

Montara is a fusion of jazz, Latin, and soul music, featuring a stellar cast of musicians, including trumpeters Oscar Brashear and Blue Mitchell, saxophonists Ernie Watts and Plas Johnson, pianists George Cables and Eddie Cano, bassists Chuck Domanico and Dave Troncoso, drummer Harvey Mason, and percussionists Willie Bobo, Ralph MacDonald, Bobby Matos, Victor Pantoja, Rudy Calzado, and Johnny Paloma. The album was arranged by Dale Oehler and Bobby Hutcherson himself.

Bobby Hutcherson - Montara (1975)

The album consists of eight tracks, all composed by Hutcherson except for three covers: "Camel Rise" by George Cables, "(Se Acabo) La Malanga" by Rudy Calzado, and "Oye Como Va" by Tito Puente. The music is full of groove, melody, and harmony, showcasing Hutcherson's mastery of the vibraphone and marimba. The album also features some vocal contributions by Hutcherson and Calzado.

Montara was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles on August 12 and 14, 1975. It was mixed at Westlake Audio in Los Angeles and mastered at Kendun Recorders in Burbank. The album was produced by Dale Oehler and George Butler. The cover art was designed by Bob Ciano and features a photo of Hutcherson by David Alexander.

Montara received critical acclaim from jazz critics and fans alike. It is considered one of the best jazz albums of the 1970s and one of the finest examples of Latin jazz fusion. It has been reissued several times on CD and vinyl by various labels. In 2003, it was remixed by Madlib for his album Shades of Blue, which also featured samples from other Blue Note recordings.

If you are looking for a feel-good jazz album that will make you dance and smile, you should definitely check out Montara by Bobby Hutcherson. It is a masterpiece of jazz creativity and musical joy.

Sources:

• [Montara (album) - Wikipedia]

• [Bobby Hutcherson Montara (1975, Research Craft Pressing, Vinyl) - Discogs]

• [Bobby Hutcherson Montara (1975, Vinyl) - Discogs]