Francis was a vibist in the '50s-'60s who struck out in a modern post-bop style and discovered a different voice on his chosen instrument. He is one to seek and study. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

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The youngest of the three Montgomery brothers, Buddy Montgomery has long been a reliable, if underrated, vibraphonist and pianist. He became a professional in 1948 and the following year toured with Big Joe Turner. He played piano with Slide Hampton in his native Indianapolis, served in the Army, and then was a member (on vibes) of the popular... [+] Read More

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A graceful, bop-influenced vibraphonist most associated with George Shearing, Charlie Shoemake has been the victim of underexposure for much of his long career. Born in Houston on July 27, 1937, Shoemake started out as a pianist, and moved to Los Angeles in 1956 seeking a career in music. To make ends meet, he became a session musician, as did... [+] Read More

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Vibraphonist, a creative thinker, unique musical stance, fine bandleader. Emerging in the past few years as a composer and front liner. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

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Jay Hoggard has had a wide-ranging career. One of the top vibraphonists to emerge during the 1970s, Hoggard originally started on piano and saxophone before switching to vibes. By the early '70s, he was working in New England with such top avant-garde players as Anthony Davis and Leo Smith. Hoggard moved to New York in 1977, where he played with... [+] Read More

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The Chicago vibraphonist plays post-bop. Not a truly distinctive sound, but a very good player of standards and originals. Deserving wider recognition. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

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An excellent vibraphonist who also takes R&Bish vocals, Monte Croft had a fine Columbia release in 1989 and a more commercial follow-up the following year but has maintained a fairly low profile ever since. When he was ten, he was given a drum set for Christmas and immediately started practicing. Croft switched to vibes when he was 14 and,... [+] Read More

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One of the most hyper of all jazzmen (even his ballads are taken mostly double time), Terry Gibbs is a consistently exciting and competitive vibraphonist. As a xylophonist, he won an amateur contest when he was 12. After spending three years in the military during World War II, Gibbs played on 52nd Street, gigged with Tommy Dorsey (1946 and... [+] Read More

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Walt Dickerson made an impact when he first emerged in the early '60s -- he won the Down Beat Critic's Poll as New Star in 1962 -- but as the years have passed, he's become much less visible. Dickerson graduated from Morgan State College in 1953. After serving in the Army from 1953-1955, he settled in California, where he led a band that... [+] Read More

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Plays tenor vibes and marimba in sparse, ECM-ish contemporary setting. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

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