Born: March 18, 1959 Primary Instrument: Vibraphone
Joe Locke is regarded by many to be the most gifted vibraphonist of his generation. In addition to his strengths as an instrumentalist, recent recordings and live performances , offer evidence of his ever- growing stature as a band leader, composer and conceptualist.
As a jazz musician, Locke was precocious, having played with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie, Pepper Adams and Mongo Santamaria before he was even out of high school. Since moving to New York City in 1981, Joe has performed with Grover Washington Jr., Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Daniels, Jerry Gonzales' Fort Apache Band, Rod Stewart, The Beastie Boys, Eddie Henderson, Hiram Bullock, Bob Berg, Ron Carter, Jimmie Scott, Geoffrey Keezer, The Mingus Big Band and Randy Brecker, among many others. Joe has toured extensively throughout the world, both as leader and guest soloistand has twice received the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) Award for “Mallet Player of the Year” and numerous other accolades for his music.
Awards:
Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) Award (USA):2006 - Mallet Player of the Year
2008 - Mallet Player of the Year
2009 - Mallet Player of the Year
Earshot Jazz Society Golden Ear Award (USA):
2005 - Northwest Concert of the Year
2008 - Northwest Concert of the Year
“Joe Locke's playing and writing have been an absolute joy to this vibist's ears that have been starving to hear a player who challenges himself on every tune. Joe is constantly pushing the envelope musically. The cat is going into orbit soon .... I love it!” (Mike Manieri)
“Not only has he mastered an instrument that has catapulted only a handful of players to the forefront of modern jazz - but he has done so in a way that transcends mere technique and establishes him as a unique and adventurous musical voice.” (Derk Richardson, SanFrancisco Bay Guardian)
“In the select group of contemporary vibes players, Locke has claims to head the list.” (Penguin Encyclopedia of Jazz)
Primary Instrument:
Vibraphone
Credentials/Background:
International Vibraphone Consultant (visiting) at the Royal Academy of Music, London
Further teaching engagements at
University of Utah, SLC (USA)
The Royal Conservatoire, Birmingham (UK)
The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester (UK)
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow (UK)
and more...
Clinic/Workshop Information:
In addition to the classes that Mr. Locke can offer in jazz
improvisation,
arranging, composition, ensenble playing, etc, a masterclass
is given called,
"The Spirituality of Imperfection", which has really resonated
with students and
teachers alike on my college visits. This masterclass
discusses how our
shortcomings and weaknesses are as important to our
creative development as
our accomplishments. If we were all equally adept at
everything, there would be
less stylistic variety to enjoy.
