Joe Locke

world-renowned jazz vibraphonist joe locke joins circle 9

new album ‘Makram’ – Out Now

Circle 9 is thrilled to welcome master jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke to its artist roster.

Joe's new project is set to release early 2023, and is produced by Locke and co-produced by Grammy® winner Doug Beavers.

Joe Locke is widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instrument. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of notable musicians, including Grover Washington Jr, Raul Midón, Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, The Beastie Boys, the Münster Symphony Orchestra, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna and the Lincoln, Nebraska Symphony.

“Not only has he mastered an instrument that has catapulted only a handful of players to the forefront of modern jazz – but he has done so in a way that transcends mere technique and establishes him as a unique and adventurous musical voice.”
— Derek Richardson, San Francisco Bay Guardian

Long known to be a soloist capable of stunning physical power and broad emotional range, it was not until the last decades that he emerged as the composer, bandleader and conceptualist that he is considered today. This is in no small part due to his solo projects since the beginning of the 2000s. “Four Walls of Freedom” (Sirocco), a 6 movement suite based on the writing of the monk Thomas Merton, which he composed as a vehicle for tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, garnered high praise from the critical community as a major work and won several international polls. “Live in Seattle” (Origin), by The Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group, won the 2006 EarShot award for “Concert of the Year”. This group is well-loved and emulated by younger musicians looking for direction and inspiration. The overwhelming success of his quartets, such as “Force of Four” (Origin), can be attributed to the talents of Locke’s exceptional collaborators and to the leader’s musical philosophy, which is to honor tradition while keeping both feet planted in the present and future. His 2011 album, the captivating, immersive “VIA”, is the result of a reunion of Storms/Nocturnes, the transatlantic trio with Geoffrey Keezer and Tim Garland.

“Locke has secured a spot among the world’s top jazz vibists – and one of the most popular. Without sacrificing his jazz integrity or intent, Locke still manages to engage even casual listeners with a mixture of edgy attitude and artistic purity.”
— Neil Tesser, Chicago Examiner

PRESS ENQUIRIES

Lydia Liebman Promotions
lydialiebman.com

ARTIST MANAGEMENT

nadworks ltd.
Nadja von Massow
nadja@nadworks.com
phone +44 (0) 7970 997213

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