Vibrophonist Steve Hobbs

By Bob PROTZMAN

From childhood through high school, Steve Hobbs played bongos, conga drum, trumpet, xylophone and drum set, but once he spotted a roomful of vibraphones (aka vibraharps, vibes) at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he knew he had found the instrument he wanted to play for life.

In a phone interview from his Raleigh, NC home, Hobbs seemed more than pleased with his choice.

 “It’s the ultimate high-energy instrument,’’ he said. “You can really swing on it and create high excitement, but at the same time, I can hear Gary Burton play a solo ballad with four mallets so pretty and quiet and resonant, it will be mesmerizing.’’

Hobbs even added a little challenge. “In fact, I’m sorry, but I don’t think there’s an instrument out there that can touch a vibes player doing a ballad.’’

Hobbs will be playing plenty of ballads and “burners’’ at Papermoon Saturday night, the second in a series of performances at the downtown Erie restaurant/jazz club by nationally known artists playing with local musicians. The first gig featured Rhode Island saxophonist Greg Abate in February and drew the biggest crowd ever at Papermoon.

Hobbs’ brief tour also will include a stop in Akron and three different dates in Cleveland.

Described by Scott Yanow on allmusic.com as ‘one of the most talented if underrated vibraphonists around,’’ Hobbs has managed a solid recording and performing career, despite some bumps along the way.

“I’d say I’m a sort of musicians’ musician,’’ Hobbs said. “All the musicians know about me, if not the public. I have open invitations to play whenever and wherever I want.’’

Hobbs notes that today’s jazz scene includes vibes masters and a second level of younger players to which he belongs. “None of us are in a league with guys like Gary Burton, Bobby Hutcherson, Mike Mainieri, and Dave Pike  (“one of the most underrated players around’’),’’ says Hobbs. “Then there are Steve Nelson--my favorite player among the younger guys--Joe Locke, Stefon Harris (who was in Erie with bassist Buster Williams for a JazzErie concert last October at Forward Hall), and yours truly.’’

Five of Hobbs’s albums have landed in the Top 10 of most played on radio, including his 2005 and current “Spring Cycle’’ (Random Chance), which went as high as No. 3 last summer on jazzweek.com.

Critics and musicians alike sing his praises. In fact, recording under his own name, he has managed to recruit some of today’s best-known and highly respected players to join him in the studio.  “Spring Cycle’’ features such acclaimed players as trumpeter Tom Harrell and flutist Dave Valentin. Pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Victor Lewis were the rhythm section on the previous “Second Encounter’’ (Candid).

Critics have talked of Hobbs’ “world class jazz playing,’’ called him  “one of the mallet world’s most versatile young talents,’’ claimed that he  “practically defines today’s modern mainstream,’’ and said  “He has carved out his own identity.’’

Hobbs is proudest of the last quote (from Jazziz magazine), because he believes he truly has been and remains his own man, with his own sound and style. “Most critics like me, some don’t,’’ says Hobbs, “but nearly all of them say I’m not an imitator.’’

Hobbs, who will turn 50 on April 17, has studied extensively, beginning in high school and continuing at Berklee, where he earned a degree in symphonic percussion; Miami University (a degree in jazz mallets), and additional studies at the University of Northern Colorado.

 “Where I really learned to play, though,’’ he says, “was by listening to and transcribing records (by horn players like trumpet great Chet Baker, as well as Milt Jackson and other vibraphonists) and on the bandstand with older guys. When I was 14, I played with people 50 and 60.’’

Hobbs feels that is the way the music ideally should be passed on. In that regard, he has taught various instruments and directed an elementary school band in Raleigh for the past 17 years.

It has hampered his career a bit, but he feels it’s worth the sacrifice.

“If you’re serious about the future of jazz, you’ve got to influence young children,’’ he says. He proudly boasts that he has the best elementary school band in the state, “if not the southeast.’’

The band includes a special student with whom Hobbs practices what he preaches. “I sometimes let this little 5th grader play in my band, and boy is he going to be something. He’ll help make sure the music doesn’t die.’’

Bob PROTZMAN writes for Down Beat and other publications and hosts “Everything Jazz,’’ 9 to midnight Sundays on WQLN-FM, 91.3. You can reach him at protz@verizon.net.