Mace Hibbard
06.05.08 | Review of Mace Hibbard Quartet at the Jazz Factory
MACE HIBBARD AT THE JAZZ FACTORY
By: Martin Z. Kasdan Jr.
www.louisvillemusicnews.net
Atlanta-based saxophonist Mace Hibbard sought to broaden his fan base by playing the Jazz Factory. Unfortunately, Hibbard's first appearance, on Saturday, March 15, was also his last at this venue, following the then-new announcement of the club's closure in two weeks. He brought with him bassist Marc Miller and drummer Justin Varnes and was pleased to reunite with an old colleague, pianist Steve Snyder, now teaching at Morehead State University here in Kentucky. Throughout his sets, Hibbard relied primarily on his own compositions, but also mixed in other composers' works as well. He was very personable, especially when telling the audience about the background of his original pieces. A special treat was the lesser-known Wayne Shorter composition "Deluge" in the first set. He introduced his own "Lullaby for Alex" by saying it was his mother's favorite composition. Varnes' brushwork was tasty and Snyder demonstrated his prowess in an unaccompanied piano solo, which was slow and deliberate. The group paid its collective respect to the standard repertoire with "You and the Night and the Music" before closing the first set with another Hibbard piece, the rollicking "Just a Little Harmless Fun."
The second set opener, "Captain Caveman," was fast-paced and full of energy. Another original followed, "Time Gone By," a waltz-time ballad with impassioned soloing by Hibbard. He switched from alto to soprano for another original, "When Last We Met," before performing the Willie Nelson classic "You Were Always on My Mind," which was crowd-pleasing without being condescending. After two more songs, Hibbard introduced Varnes' composition "One for 44," which allowed the drummer to let loose his inner Elvin. The closing Hibbard original, "My Prayer," was a soprano/piano duet, which could also work as a lullaby. If we still had the Jazz Factory, it seems likely that Hibbard would be a contender for a return engagement based on his top-notch performance this evening.
09.18.07 | JazzReview.com Review of When Last We Met
By: Bruce Pulver
No “huff and puff” warning here, just pure “ blow your house down” playing by the entire ensemble. Mace Hibbard explodes into the treasured “Hello world, deal with me” space with his release “When Last We Met”. So what, right? Just what the world needs, another young saxophone player with smoking chops and a new CD. Not so fast buckaroo.
Pay attention to the non-assuming, intensely thoughtful aura to Mr. Hibbard’s playing and composing. Each progressive listening begs another. Subsequent trips around the disc player or mp3 device yields deeper level of soul, spirit and complexity. A relaxed courtesy exists between the players. Throughout this project, the engaged listener will find that during each solo transition, no one is in a hurry to get started.
So, this CD all starts with "Captain Caveman" sneaking through the front door without the slightest hint of a knock. Mace Hibbard and his musical friends, secure the room like a finely prepared S.W.A.T. Team. Once in, shop is set up with a fearlessly swinging groove that supports the instrument-commanding solo development by Mr. Hibbard, his phenomenal pianist, Louis Heriveaux and rock-solid bassist Marc Miller. After hearing several projects with Justin Varnes behind the drum kit, this writer believes Mr. Varnes has his finest jazz contribution to date showcasing his talents as a supportive and driving musician.
Let’s highlight a few other selections starting with the title track, "When Last We Met". Soprano saxophone and guitar unison lines are a sorely under utilized instrumental combination. The melodic lines produce a romantically, burning voice crying out to be understood, often yearning for the unexplainable explanation. Again, Mr. Hibbard delivers impassioned playing along with Guitarist, Bryan Leitch. "Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball" starts with Marc Miller’s Funky Acoustic Bass Groove. Yes, Funky Acoustic Bass Groove. We have been served a mixed tribute to a little preaching from the Reverend , a little country sax from Boots Randolph and some cool bop from Julian “Cannonball” Adderley. This Sassy composition is simply fun in a “vampy” sort of way. Thanks for more of the Sax/Guitar unison playing on the melody. Sweet!
"The Tempest" offers an eerie harmonic introduction joined quickly by a “creaky staircase” melody that conjures up memories of the old movie scene where all is not good in the middle of the night when the main character is suddenly awaken by the wind-induced loose shutter pounding against the side of the old farmhouse slightly ahead of the imminent crackle and light show of a thunder storm. The consistent droning repetition of the bass, piano, drums intro is the foundation for tension building experience. What was he thinking? An exceptionally visual composition.
"Lullabye for Alex" will take you to a special place. Art Pepper-like, bright but mellow alto saxophone with lyrical weavings puts a soothing cap to the long week or to any evening. Note to self: Track 1 for the personal “relaxation” mix. Louis Heriveaux follows on with a piano interlude of magnificent tenderness and feeling. A Jazz waltz can be the most difficult form of swing to master. The group handles the waltz as the title suggests, “Better than Most” with the masterful float of a butterfly.
You should now have enough briefing to run (don’t walk) to add Mace Hibbard’s When Last We Met to your collection. The problem with finding a hidden treasure is that it won’t stay a hidden treasure for long. As a footnote, the musicians on this CD are based in Atlanta, Georgia which is a town often considered to have no real jazz scene. Mace Hibbard is one of many dedicated jazz musicians, composers and educations that are changing that perception, one listener at a time.
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-19204.html
08.26.07 | Cadence Magazine Review of When Last We Met
By:
Dee Dee McNeil
The titles of these songs give me the impression that Hibbard has a pretty good sense of humor. “Captain Caveman” is Straight Ahead Jazz at its best. It’s certainly not reminiscent of the Neanderthal age. Hibbard’s music is full of fire— modern, and majestic. His humor shines through when, during his solo, he mimics laughter on his horn. Heriveaux dives into his piano solo like a fish that snapped the worm and dodged the fisherman’s hook, and utilizes all eighty-eight keys with rapid improvisational skills. “When Last We Met” is melodic and allows Hibbard to show off his talents on soprano. During this entire project, Hibbard showcases his abilities on various saxophones. “Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball” is a playful Fusion composition on which Marc Miller sets the groove with a strong lyrical bass line to open the piece. This repetitive bass riff establishes and propels the song. Hibbard integrates Blues into his solo transforming the Fusion concept to an Eddie Harris-like groove tune. You get to enjoy Bryan Leitch’s talents on guitar as he improvises over a funk-feel provided by the trio. All the songs on this project are composed by Hibbard with the exception of Justin Varnes’ “One for 44.”“Cruisin’ on Colcord” swings as Miller walks his bass with the strength of two collared Pit Bulls on a single chain, locking in with Varnes’ drums to create a cement-hard, straight ahead pathway. The entire quintet uses this tune to showcase their musical aptitudes.Hibbard’s sense of composition and melody are well structured and offer substance with plenty of room for his sidemen to stretch out. “The Tempest” is dark and sultry. Hibbard pushes the envelope toward Avant Garde. His solo vitalizes the song; sometimes screaming, sometimes moaning his message. “One for 44” is steeped in African drum tradition, using 6/8 as the backbone of the tune. After the first chorus, they swing into a serious Dolphyesq walk. Heriveaux sure knows how to swing on his piano, adding zest to the piece while complementing Hibbard unobtrusively beneath his solo, then stepping up front to play a smoking Blues driven piano. The ballad, “Lullabye for Alex,”has Hibbard playing tenderly and sensitivity. If you’re interested in a CD that swings from the very first tune to the last, add this one to your collection. These musicians never let up and won’t let you down and are as good as (often better than)many of the artists on major record labels. A winner
all the way around. Bravo!
07.31.07 | Another AllAboutJazz Review of When Last We Met
By: John Barron
Atlanta-based saxophonist Mace Hibbard hits the ground running with When We Last Met, an all original collection of hard-driving progressive jazz with contemporary overtones. The disc is imbued with strong lyricism and challenging, yet accessible grooves.
Hibbard has a boisterous feel with a seething growl for a tone. His edgy approach on the alto displays an in-depth understanding of past masters, especially Cannonball Adderley, and current trailblazers like Kenny Garrett. His powerhouse solo on the disc’s raucous opener, “Captain Caveman,” is a declamatory statement of brazen strength. A tough, soulful tenor sound is revealed on the funky “Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball.” Hibbard’s slightly more laid-back approach with the soprano saxophone brings out a softer side to his playing and composing on the title track, “Cruisin’ on Colcord,” and “My Prayer.”
Hibbard’s sidemen are all stellar soloists with an inventiveness perfectly suited to the diverse nature of the music. Guitarist Bryan Leitch tears through “Raiders of the Lost Marc” and pianist Louis Heriveaux swings hard on “One for 44.” Bassist Marc Miller and drummer Justin Varnes elevate each groove with soul and sophistication.
Hibbard is an artist who uses his technical mastery, compositional skills, and informed understanding of the jazz saxophone lineage, to create musical offerings that are truly unique. When Last We Met is a first-rate, independent release, with quality production and outstanding performances from all
Style: Mainstream | Published: July 31, 2007
07.02.07 | Creative Loafing Review of When Last We Met
By: David Lindsay
Georgia State saxophone professor Mace Hibbard's When Last We Met provides a fitting range for a versatile jazz musician who has appeared with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Derek Trucks to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Providing ample counterpoint on several tracks is guitarist Bryan Leitch. The pair shines on the laid-back blues of "Revered Boots 'n' Ball," which is the best on what is already a good disc, and sounds like a lost Lee Morgan classic. There's no underestimating the groove here. With Louis Heriveaux on piano, Marc Miller on bass and Justin Varnes on drums, the rhythm section provides maximum funk to the restrained cool of Leitch's guitar and Hibbard's lone tenor performance. The atmospheric track "The Tempest" showcases more of Hibbard's range, proving just how comfortable and adventurous he can be on alto. Hibbard, the son of trumpeter Dave Hibbard, wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the disc, and seems to channel everyone from Cannonball Adderley to Branford Marsalis in his writing and playing. When Last We Met definitely leaves you listening out for when we'll meet again.
4 stars (out of 5)
05.15.07 | EJazzNews.com review of When Last We Met
Texas reared and saxophonist Mace Hibbard calls Atlanta, GA., home these days. His broad jazz vernacular, evidenced here, substantiates his first-call session status with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Phil Woods and others. On this outing, Hibbard flexes some muscle while showing a softer side, namely when performing on soprano sax. He’s an articulate phrase-meister with fluid support from his band, as they cover post-bop, jazz-funk grooves and moody ballads. Hibbard’s full-bodied tone on tenor is nicely contrasted by his acute use of vibrato and lyrically-charged choruses amid sprightly unison lines with pianist Louis Heriveaux and special guest -- guitarist Bryan Leitch.
The piece titled “Crusin’ On Colcord,” is a lightly-swinging romp highlighted by Hibbard’s velvety soprano sax lines and a buoyant melodic hook. And in other areas, the saxophonist soars skyward via raspy overtones and soul-stirring motifs. In effect, the quintet pursues a variety of textures, marked by harmonically appealing solos and Hibbard’s dynamic presence. With better than average material to complement his impressive technical attributes, Hibbard rises above the norm. More than just another saxophonist trying to grab the spotlight, the leader of this date possesses the goods to move on up the jazz ladder. He’s certainly one to watch… - Glenn Astarita
03.11.07 | JazzChicago.net review of When Last We Met
Review by Brad Walseth
From down south Atlanta way comes this recent release from Texas-born saxophonist Mace Hibbard. “When Last We Met” is a surprisingly strong recording of straight ahead jazz featuring some of Atlanta’s top jazz musicians playing Hibbard’s appealing brand of original modern standards. With a rhythm section of Louis Heriveaux on piano, drummer Justin Varnes and bassist Marc Miller (with special guest Bryan Leitch on guitar on four tracks) providing able support, Hibbard is able to spread his wings on alto, soprano and tenor – proving he is a new voice to be reckoned with in the future.
Opener “Captain Caveman” highlights Hibbard’s Cannonball-flavored alto over an aggressive rhythm attack fed by Varnes’ manic drumming. Heriveaux cooks up some savory keyboard chops that add to the spicy texture, while Miller’s bass foray is another tasty ingredient in this delicious southern-fried concoction. The title track follows, and slows things down a bit with Hibbard’s haunting soprano theme floating like a firefly over a quiet evening breeze. Guitarist Leitch darts through like a Kingfisher in flight with some nice lines, and pianist Heriveaux shines again, but it is Hibbard again who makes this such a memorable excursion. Miller starts off the funky groove on the enjoyable “Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball,” and Hibbard shows he’s no slouch playing a big bluesy tenor either.
As the son of noted jazz trumpeter Dave Hibbard, Mace clearly grew up around great music, and it shows in his wide-ranging compositional styles as well as his accomplished playing. “Cruisin’ on Colcord” is a jaunty finger-snapper with Hibbard back on his polished soprano. Meanwhile, “The Tempest” is a moody, slow piece that rises and falls as if it were made of oceanic waves. “One for 44” kicks in with another intriguing groove, while “Lullabye for Alex” is a breathtakingly gentle ballad graced by Hibbard’s lovely swirls and Heriveaux’s flowing lines. “Town Lake” is another mid-tempo grooving piece with a melody that sticks in your head – perfect for driving down a country road in summer, while “Better Than Most” is a charming waltz. The humorously titled “Raiders of the Lost Marc” is perhaps the most adventurous number (as befitting its title) with Hibbard’s frantic soloing as the band chases him relentlessly like a giant boulder down a narrow tunnel. Leitch adds an edgy solo as well here as if to keep everyone on their toes. “My Prayer” ends the album on a quiet note, but one that makes you wish there was more.
His name may not yet be a house-hold one, but with this collection of well-written tunes presented in such an exemplary manner, Mace Hibbard has entered into the company of top young saxophonist/composers on the current stage. It is this writer’s firm belief you will be hearing more from this talented young artist and his cohorts – and that you will be glad you did.
03.04.07 | AllAboutJazz.com review of When Last We Met
By: Edward Blanco
When Last We Met is sure to make more than a ripple in the jazz world. Atlanta-based multi-instrumentalist and reed man Mace Hibbard is an educator and versatile musician who not only plays a passionate alto saxophone but also manifests ample talents and expressive voicing on soprano and tenor. A blues-based bebop player, Hibbard departs from this background by crafting an album of original modern straightahead jazz full of catchy melodies and soft ballads that can take your breath away.
When he recorded this album in August of 2006, Hibbard enlisted some of the finest jazz musicians in Atlanta. Pianist Louis Heriveaux provides key statements on the title track and throughout the session. Marc Miller (bass), Justin Varnes (drums) and special guest Bryan Leitch (guitar) round out the band.
The album opens up with the blistering “Captain Caveman,” featuring the first of many sizzling solos by the leader, who plays alto. The title cut finds Hibbard slithering along a nice soft melody on soprano, accompanied by the guitarist and capped off with a wonderful piano dance by Heriveaux. “Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball” is the only number where Hibbard plays tenor; he does so with the same conviction as he does on alto.
“The Tempest” comes across as a little too dark and moody for me, yet it still managed to hold my interest. By far the highlight of the recording has to be the lovely slow ballad “Lullabye For Alex,” where Hibbard makes his alto sing one sweet love song with an absolutely delicious melody. Other notables include “Town Lake” and “Better Than Most.” The set ends with Hibbard on soprano in a duet with the pianist on the light and warm “My Prayer.”
When Last We Met is an impressive performance by a remarkable saxophone player who's not yet a household name. One listen to this disc and names like Phil Woods, Bud Shank, Lee Konitz, Art Pepper and the late Jackie McLean come to mind, not one of them a bad comparison.
01.29.07 | The CD is now available on CD Baby and Itunes!
New information on "When Last We Met"
For those of you that haven't picked up the new album, it is now available on both CD Baby -
http://cdbaby.com/cd/macehibbard
and Itunes:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=213648435
If you like what you hear, please leave your thoughts in the comment section on these sites.
However, the BEST way to get the album is still directly from me.......personal service!!
There are also a lot of new gigs happening!
The BIG one is the CD release party at Churchill Grounds, February 23-24th.
Please mark your calendars.
MH
01.01.07 | New Year Update
Happy New Year!!!
After celebrating the new year with another great gig with the Derek Trucks band and Susan Tedeschi at the Fox, it is time for a new update!!
The new album is done!!! I will be putting up audio clips very soon as well as some live gigs and other fun stuff. I will also be sending out a lot of press material about the new album soon. There are also new quartet dates in February and March. Please come out and see the band!!!
11.22.06 | It's getting close
The new album is almost here!! The mastering and artwork are almost done, then it's off to the duplication house. Please keep checking back for news on the release and performance dates.
11.20.06 | New Website
Welcome to my new website. Please keep coming back, there will be a lot of updates in the coming weeks.
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