Although already a recording artist of note for several years, 4 recent CD projects have placed Joe Locke more firmly in the consciousness of the listening public and the critical community alike. Slander (And Other Love Songs) on the Milestone label, is a tour de force of great intensity and heartfelt lyricism. It features the stellar line up of Bill Childs (piano), Vic Juris (guitar), Rufus Reid (bass), and Gene Jackson (drums), playing a repertoire of original and contemporary classics. About Joe's playing and writing on Slander, fellow vibist and leader of the groundbreaking group Steps Ahead, Mike Manieri says, "Joe is a player who challenges himself on every tune. He is constantly pushing the envelope musically." The legendary Bobby Hutcherson offers, "Joe is all about the music, all the time. You can hear it in every note he plays."

Following the success of Slander, Joe teamed up with pianist David Hazeltine for Mutual Admiration Society, a Sharp Nine release. This co-led quartet features bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Billy Drummond and is modeled after the collaborations of Milt Jackson & Cedar Walton and Bobby Hutcherson & Herbie Hancock. Journalist Chris Hovan writes, "It's only about halfway through the year, but this one proves to be a strong contender for one of the best releases for 1999." Downbeat's Zan Stewart sums up his 4-star review of the project stating, "Locke is worthy of the attention he's been getting." On the heels of its release, Locke and Hazeltine performed the music from the CD during successful engagements at Sweet Basil and Birdland, two of New York's most respected jazz venues, and continue to tour as a group.

Saturn's Child, released on Omnitone, is a departure from Joe's usually more aggressive and hard-swinging efforts. A collaboration with pianist Frank Kimbrough, Saturn's Child is a contemplative work, and satisfies a desire Joe has had for a long time to make a recording that maintains a languorous, reflective mood. The duo's empathy is apparent throughout Saturn's Child. It stands as Joe's most beautiful musical statement to date.

Joe's most recent release from Siricco, Storytelling, is a further departure from his more straight-ahead fare. Storytelling features music from the collective conscience of Joe and his colleagues. This project includes original music as well as songs by Bob Dylan, Neal Young, and Bill Withers. Jazz Times Magazine calls Storytelling Joe's "Most revealing and accessible recording to date."

An artist known for his electricism, Joe also maintains a high-energy group, Wirewalkers. Comprised of four like-minded musicians who acknowledge a love of R&B and pop music, Wirewalkers plays music by the Isley Brothers, Tears For Fears and Stevie Wonder, alongside compositions by jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. The group performs on a weekly basis at Kavehaz in New York City, and has built a large and loyal following as a result of its exciting live performances.

Joe has found himself involved in projects led by such diverse artists as Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Grover Washington Jr., Dianne Reeves, Hiram Bullock, Randy Brecker, Robin Eubanks, Ray Vega, The Beastie Boys, Walt Weiskoph, Freddy Cole, and Barbara Denneriein, among others. As a result of his work, Joe is consistently ranked in both the Downbeat Critic's Poll and Readers' Poll and cited as Talent Deserving Wider Recognition. In 1997 and 1998 he was voted #1 vibist in Brazil's International Jazz Poll.

Featured on a number of U.S. and European tours including headlining the Glasgow Jazz Festival and occupying the vibraphone chair for the Mingus "Epitaph" tour, which performed Charles Mingus' epic Masterwork at major concert halls in the United States and throughout Europe. He has been invited to Russia numerous times to perform with the Lgor Butman Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of world-renowned violinist Yuri Bashemet. Joe has also toured Japan several times as a member of the Eddie Henderson Quintet.

In addition to performing and recording, Joe maintains a busy schedule as a teacher. He is currently on the jazz faculty of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music and the Purchase College Conservatory of Music, both in New York City. He continues to be an active lecturer and clinician in the United States and Europe.

Joe performs on the R715G vibraphone and the R420W rosewood marimba. See what else Joe has to say about his instruments of choice by visiting his website www.joelocke.com.

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