A fine bop-oriented vibraphonist, Joe Roland was best-known in jazz during the 1950's. He started off as a clarinetist and studied at the Institute of Musical Art in New York during 1937-39. In 1940 Roland began playing xylophone and a few years later switched to vibes, freelancing around New York. He was very open to the innovations of bop and soon had a modern combo of his own. Roland was a member of the George Shearing Quintet (1951-53), worked with Howard McGhee and was with Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five during 1953-54. He also worked with Mat Mathews and Aaron Sachs later in the 50's. As a leader, Joe Roland recorded two titles for Rainbow in 1949, four numbers with a string section for Savoy in 1950, a few titles on the Seeco label (1953-54), nine songs for Savoy (1954) and a full album with his quintet (which included Freddie Redd) for Bethlehem in 1955. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide