Although he has not become world-renowned yet,
Steve Hobbs
in the 1990s and the present period has been one of the top vibraphonists in
jazz
. Joined by an impeccable rhythm section (pianist
Kenny Barron
, bassist
Peter Washington
, and drummer
Victor Lewis
),
Hobbs
performs a well-rounded set of
standards
and originals. Among the high points are the opening thoughtful version of
"La Vie en Rose,"
cooking renditions of
"Airegin"
and
"Move,"
'
"Bossa de Buzios,"
and the closing
"Blues for a Way of Life."
In reality, all ten songs work well, featuring close interplay between
Barron
, occasional solos from
Washington
, and subtle support by
Lewis
. It is surprising that it took six years for this material to be released, but it was worth the wait. ~ Scott Yanow