Mace Hibbard
When Last We Met
© 2006 MHM (837101288187)
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Modern, original compositions in the vein of Kenny Garrett, Chris Potter, and Branford Marsalis.
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Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Mace Hibbard is one of the most exciting and versatile saxophonists on the scene today. Continuing in the tradition of Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, and Stan Getz, Mace also draws inspiration from the more contemporary players such as Kenny Garrett, Chris Potter, and Branford Marsalis.
Coming from a musical family, early music lessons included piano and voice until settling on the saxophone at age ten. Mace’s firm grasp of the history of jazz and its standard repertoire comes from the gigs he played with his father - Dave Hibbard, a great trumpet player who has been a staple in the Texas jazz scene for years - throughout his teen years.
From there, he attended the University of Texas in Austin, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Musical Performance and a Masters degree in Jazz Studies. While in Austin, Mace developed as a composer and formed Odd Man Out, who released their self-titled debut on Viewpoint Records in 2000.
After 10 years of being one of the most sought after woodwind players in Austin, Mace relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2003 where he is continuing his reputation as a gifted soloist, and solid performer on all saxophones, flute, and clarinet.
Mace has performed throughout the United States and Europe, sharing the stage with Wynton Marsalis, The Derek Trucks Band, Wessel Anderson, Marcus Printup, Michael Brecker, Phil Woods, Bobby Shew, Arturo Sandoval, James Moody, the Austin Symphony, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, and many others.
Mace is also an accomplished classical saxophonist. Having studied with master saxophonist Harvey Pittel, Mace has been a featured soloist with the Austin Symphony and in many chamber ensembles. In 1999, Mace played the premier performance of "Canciones del Zocalo," a piece for saxophone and piano written for him by Aaron Bramwell.
As a composer, Mace has written many original compositions, as well as hundreds of arrangements for horn sections, small groups, and big bands.
As an educator, Mace is currently an Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies and Saxophone at both Jacksonville State University and Georgia State University, and is an active freelance musician and clinician based out of Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2004, He published the first in a series of technical studies for the saxophone entitled “Scales and Patterns For Saxophone,Volume I, Major Scales and Intervals.”
reviews
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- author: Vincent Gordon
Mace really surpise me. His horn playing is really great Ireally enjoy this cd.
GREAT.
author: Ken WattersThis is one of the best CDs that I've bought in the last few years - seriously! Superb playing throughout by Alto master Mace Hibbard & a highly thought-out lineup for the rhythm section. Their interpretations of Mace's music are selfless, albeit BURNING, perfectly complimenting Mr. Hibbard's vision. Most of all, this CD has that all-too-missing combination of two crucial elements -- depth & lots of fun. Sounds like they were truly having a ball when they recorded this... Apparently, everyone on this project currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. One would be hard-pressed to find a more cohesive band (complete with their own collective "voice") anywhere on the planet. Guitarist Bryan Leitch plays on less than half of the recording, but on his features, he establishes himself as someone to DEFINITELY watch for. Pianist Louis Heriveaux shows IMPECCABLE taste in his phrasing & subtle but very deliberate swing feel. Drummer Justin Varnes is on fire from start to finish, as is bassist Marc Miller (who often tours with vocalist Lizz Wright). The leader firmly establishes himself as a first-rate composer & highly unique voice on the saxophone. I couldn't recommend this CD any higher -- it's a must-have. -KW
An impressive performance by a remarkable saxophone player
author: Edward BlancoWhen Last We Met is sure to make more than a ripple in the jazz world. Atlanta-based multi-instrumentalist and reed man Mace Hibbard is an educator and versatile musician who not only plays a passionate alto saxophone but also manifests ample talents and expressive voicing on soprano and tenor. A blues-based bebop player, Hibbard departs from this background by crafting an album of original modern straightahead jazz full of catchy melodies and soft ballads that can take your breath away. When he recorded this album in August of 2006, Hibbard enlisted some of the finest jazz musicians in Atlanta. Pianist Louis Heriveaux provides key statements on the title track and throughout the session. Marc Miller (bass), Justin Varnes (drums) and special guest Bryan Leitch (guitar) round out the band. The album opens up with the blistering “Captain Caveman,” featuring the first of many sizzling solos by the leader, who plays alto. The title cut finds Hibbard slithering along a nice soft melody on soprano, accompanied by the guitarist and capped off with a wonderful piano dance by Heriveaux. “Reverend Boots ‘n’ Ball” is the only number where Hibbard plays tenor; he does so with the same conviction as he does on alto. “The Tempest” comes across as a little too dark and moody for me, yet it still managed to hold my interest. By far the highlight of the recording has to be the lovely slow ballad “Lullabye For Alex,” where Hibbard makes his alto sing one sweet love song with an absolutely delicious melody. Other notables include “Town Lake” and “Better Than Most.” The set ends with Hibbard on soprano in a duet with the pianist on the light and warm “My Prayer.” When Last We Met is an impressive performance by a remarkable saxophone player who's not yet a household name. One listen to this disc and names like Phil Woods, Bud Shank, Lee Konitz, Art Pepper and the late Jackie McLean come to mind, not one of them a bad comparison.
Truly excellent.
author: Jon NoffsingerThis cd showcases a truly excellent set of performances. As advertised, Hibbard speaks with an authoritative voice that acknowledges the best traditions of jazz saxophone playing yet is fresh and inventive. With each tune Heriveaux, Leitch, Miller, Varnes, and Hibbard consistently generate and sustain a lively and engaging conversation that both informs and entertains.