Solo From Two Sides

Jay Hoggard (vibraphone, marimba)

Solo From Two Sides (2009). Performing unaccompanied on vibraphone and marimba, Jay Hoggard creates music that is hypnotic, intriguing, melodic, thoughtful, surprising and thoroughly original. While a handful of vibraphonists have recorded solo sets in the past (including Gary Burton, Khan Jamal and Walt Dickerson), none have sounded like this. There are many rich melodies (“Kalila’s Smile” and “Riverside Dance”are two strong examples), pieces that display the African heritage (“Ujamaa”,”The Golden Ashanti”, "Beautiful Nowai", and “Rain Forest”) and new spirituals such as “In The Spirit” and “Worship God In Spirit, Truth And Love.” Each of the 13 selections is memorable in its own way. But that is to be expected for Jay Hoggard has developed his own personal voice, both as an improviser and as a composer.

Recorded: January 10-12, 2008, January 5-6, 2006, January 3-4, 2005; released July 2009