Drummer and vibraphone player Otis Hayes lll has been on the jazz scene for many years so it’s all the more surprising that his self titled debut CD, a top quality piece of work that embraces the genres of R&B, Contemporary, and smooth jazz, has just been released. It’s a mellow and laid back collection of eleven tracks that combine to please the listener on every level and, in a smooth jazz era dominated by sax, guitar and keyboards, the sound of Hayes vibraphone is both different and welcome.
Originally from Los Angeles CA, Hayes grew up in Austin, Texas where his commitment to music began. His high school years saw him winning several first place awards and medals for both drums and percussion. From there he attended The University of North Texas in Denton where he specialized in drum studies and Jazz Composition. Following graduation, and back in Austin, Hayes became one of the most in-demand drummers on the scene, backing such artists as Kris Kristofferson and teaching drum clinics throughout the city.
After touring Europe with the Broadway show ‘West Side Story’ he moved, in 1989, to Los Angeles and since then he has toured, performed or recorded with artists such as Donny Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, The 5th Dimension, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, Boyz II Men and James Brown.
For those who like trivia, the vibraphone is a descendent of the African xylophone, of the marimba found in Guatemala and Mexico and of instruments of the gamelan orchestra found in Bali and Java. It was invented in the U.S. in the early 20th century and was popularized by the jazz greats Lionel Hampton and Milt Jackson. More recently Gary Burton, Cal Tjader and Bobby Hutcherson have been associated with the instrument but now Otis Hayes lll is taking the vibraphone in a whole new direction.
This is evident from the very first track, ‘Balboa Café’, a fresh piece of smooth jazz where the vibes really add another dimension or on the equally good ‘Hold Me Just Right’, which is a really atmospheric number where the cool vocals of Shea Chambers make a superb backdrop for Hayes sensitivity with the mallets.
In fact great tracks abound. The catchy and tight slice of world music ‘Africa’ has vocals translated into Swahili and sung wonderfully by Anindo Marshall while ‘Bahia’ is a bouncy number with more great backing from Chambers and Latin tinged flugelhorn from Jeff Elliott who is excellent throughout. With ‘Cycles’ Hayes momentarily sets aside smooth jazz for a complex and compelling tune that a few years ago might have been described as being ‘avent guarde’ and with ‘Lullaby For Gianna’ he provides exactly what the title suggests and in so doing demonstrates what a light, delicate and melodic instrument the vibraphone can be.
Hayes has penned ten of the eleven tracks but the tender and romantic ‘Waltz Of The Weeds’ is written by and features Hayes father, Otis Junior, who is absolutely sensational on piano. ‘Promise Of Tomorrow’ perpetuates the melodies that permeate the entire CD. With wonderful flugelhorn from Jeff Elliott and more gentle vocals from Shea Chambers the tune glides along like a riverboat ride on a hot afternoon.
Best track on the album is a hard call to make. Perhaps it’s ‘Morning Light’ that is anchored by a cool rhythm and blessed with more great flugelhorn. This makes it a real late night special that is ‘after the dance’ and then some. Alternatively, depending on your tastes, the best track may well be ‘Distant Lover’ where the vocals of Chambers interplay with the flugelhorn of Elliott to really light this one up.
Hayes sophistication and clarity on the drums and his sultry melodic touch on the vibraphone has made this debut release very special indeed. For more on Otis Hayes lll go to www.otishayes.com.