Bobby Hutcherson
Oblique (180Gm Analogue Tone Poet)

‘Oblique’ is a quartet date that was recorded on 21st July 1967 and not released until 1980 when it saw the light of day in Japan.  The quartet includes Herbie Hancock (piano), Joe Chambers (drums) and Robert Stinson (bass) alongside the vibraphonist.  ‘Til Then’ is a gentle, breezy opener composed by Hutcherson himself.  His second composition ‘My Joy’ is equally breezy but ups the tempo significantly.  The version of Hancock’s ‘Theme From Blow Up’ stretches to eight minutes and is a meandering piece of post-Bop Jazz.   The shuffling and fast flowing ‘Subtle Neptune’ has an understated lilting Latin vibe.  The album concludes with two Joe Chambers pieces, the first of which is the album’s title song ‘Oblique’.  This intricate, yet delicate composition is very much of its time and reflects the influence of Miles Davis’ work with his second great quintet.  The second Chambers number ‘Bi-Sectional’ is a more adventurous and freer number that has a semi classical feel to it. ‘Oblique’ is a fine Jazz set and a must for all Bobby Hutcherson fans.