Bobby Hutcherson - Components [Tone Poet 180g Audiophile LP]

Bobby Hutcherson uses Components to split one Blue Note session into two related but clearly different sides: his own post-bop writing on Side A and drummer Joe Chambers' more open compositions on Side B. Vibraphone and marimba lead a sextet with Freddie Hubbard, James Spaulding, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Chambers, placing the album between structured modern jazz writing and freer ensemble movement.

"Components" opens with Hutcherson's title piece, setting the session in a small-group post-bop frame before "Tranquility" slows the pace and gives the vibraphone more room. "Little B's Poem" was written for Hutcherson's young son, making it one of the album's most personal themes. "West 22nd Street Theme" closes the Hutcherson side with a blues reference tied to his New York address, while Chambers' "Movement" starts the second side with a multi-part structure built around forward motion and group response.

The second half is where Components moves furthest from a straight hard-bop setting, with Chambers' "Juba Dance," "Air," and "Pastoral" shifting the album toward freer ensemble writing. The Tone Poet Series edition is produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket.

• Format: Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Components," "Little B's Poem," "Movement," "Air"
• Pressing details: Blue Note Tone Poet Series, 180g audiophile vinyl, Kevin Gray mastering, RTI pressing, deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket
• Genre/style: Post-Bop, Avant-Garde Jazz, Hard Bop, Modern Jazz
• UPC: 602458892871

"Little B's Poem" gives Components its most personal moment, while "Movement" and "Air" show why the album matters beyond a standard Blue Note blowing session. For Hutcherson listeners, this LP joins post-bop writing, chamber-like detail, and freer group movement.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Components
2. Tranquility
3. Little B's Poem
4. West 22nd Street Theme

Side B:

1. Movement
2. Juba Dance
3. Air
4. Pastoral