Role

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Composer

Birth

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March 18, 1959 in Palo Alto, CA

 

Joe Locke is a renowned American jazz vibraphonist and composer, born on March 18, 1959, in Palo Alto, California. He grew up in Rochester, New York, where he began playing the piano at the age of eight. However, it was not until he was 13 years old that he discovered the vibraphone, which would become his primary instrument. Locke's early musical influences were diverse, ranging from classical music to rock and roll. He was particularly drawn to the music of jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson, whose recordings he listened to obsessively. Locke also cites the music of pianist Bill Evans and saxophonist John Coltrane as major influences on his playing and composing. After graduating from high school, Locke attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where he studied classical percussion. However, he soon became disillusioned with the classical music world and dropped out of school to pursue a career in jazz. In the early 1980s, Locke moved to New York City, where he quickly established himself as a sought-after sideman. He played with a number of jazz luminaries, including saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., pianist Kenny Barron, and drummer Eddie Henderson. In 1988, Locke released his debut album as a leader, "Present Tense," which featured his own compositions. The album was well-received by critics and helped establish Locke as a rising star in the jazz world. Over the next few years, Locke continued to release a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Moment to Moment" (1990), "Storytelling" (1992), and "Slanderous" (1994). His music was characterized by its melodic inventiveness, rhythmic complexity, and harmonic sophistication. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Locke has also been active as an educator. He has taught at a number of institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Berklee College of Music, and the University of Hartford. One of Locke's most notable works is his 2005 album "Rev-elation," which was inspired by the poetry of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian mystic. The album features Locke's original compositions, as well as arrangements of traditional Persian melodies. It received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Locke's most recent album, "Subtle Disguise," was released in 2018. The album features his working band, which includes pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Lorin Cohen, and drummer Samvel Sarkisyan. The music on the album is characterized by its intricate interplay and virtuosic improvisation. Throughout his career, Locke has been recognized for his contributions to the jazz world. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Jazz Journalists Association's "Mallet Player of the Year" award in 2006, 2008, and 2009. He has also been named a "Rising Star" in DownBeat magazine's annual critics' poll multiple times. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Locke has also been active as a philanthropist. He is the founder of the Joe Locke Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to young musicians pursuing a career in jazz. In conclusion, Joe Locke is a highly respected jazz vibraphonist and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His music is characterized by its melodic inventiveness, rhythmic complexity, and harmonic sophistication.

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