*“It’s a percussionist instrument of Central America and Africa. The bars are made of wood,” said Vibraphonist Dirk Richter about the instrument he plays when I asked exactly what it was for my review of the March 6, 2020 album release of “Vibrasonic” (SwingDing Records).
The project is written and produced by him and partner Emmy Nominated guitarist Randall Crissman – a duo called Vibes Alive. “It was popular with rituals – a piece of wood that makes tones. In 1920 a percussion company came up with the vibra-harp…that had metal bars. A tuner came up with a design for the vibraphone; it’s just like the piano but with aluminum bars. It’s a lot more, softer sounding.”
Their third album, “Vibrasonic,” offers ten selections that also feature instrumental assistance from Grammy-winning keyboardist Jeff Lorber, whom Dirk calls their 3rd member; drummer Vinnie Colaiuta; bass player Jimmy Johnson, and percussionist Luis Conte. Vibes Alive debut was self-titled and the second album was titled “After Hours.”
“It’s a diffident play on words,” Dirk said when asked what the title of the album “Vibrasonic” means.
Sonic is the range of the sound and “vibra” is the method of the sound delivered. Richter does go a little crazy on some of the selections while playing his vibraphone making the sound an authentic Jazz project which has a range that reaches the sky. My favorite cuts on the “Vibrasonic” album release include #2 “Vibrasonic,” the title-track and single, which earned “Most Added” status on the Billboard Singles Chart, because it is sweet Jazz in its purest form. It also has some amazing guitar playing by Crissman that supports the vibraphone melody impressively well. I also love #6 “Going Home,” again for its sweet Jazz sound, and how it combines the vibraphone with the keyboards, and I love how he takes the vibraphone to a sonic range with its high notes. The #9 track “Spy” is also a favorite because I love that 007 melody and how the vibraphone goes crazy wild – as spies often do.
“My partner is involved in the writing. We always played music together in college. This (album) is instead of playing live. We were always fond of Jazz Fusion,” Dirk confessed. “When George Duke went electric…swing became the standard. So when I had a chance to write music he (Crissman) liked it…a vibraphone with guitar – the harmony.” www.VinesAliveMusic.com
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates include Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020, held in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times. Los Angeles date coming in November, 2020. The free conference offers an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Talent Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes/product/services to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
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