Good God, yes! You could spend a lifetime with Hutcherson, because you'd also be spending it with the interlocking geniuses you mention, and others besides (Dexter Gordon, Donald Byrd, Barney Kessel, Harold Land). I really think he's the best, or at least most consistent -- Dave Pike has some outstanding moments too but his more varied sound, with easy-listening and bossa nova grooves, is also more uneven (listen to his "Jazz for the Jet Set" from '66, with Herbie Hancock on organ -- crazy). Vibes is the perfect foil for the sometimes monotonous sound of the saxophone, making them both come alive. It's a role not unlike the organ -- a new bell-like tone with miles of sustain -- just the kind of thing to give new life to the small jazz group when it needed it, in the face of all the great pop sounds coming out of the studios. They work great together too -- organ + vibes is very groovy.

My favorite Hutcherson record, I think, and one which demonstrates what I'm saying, is "Mode For Joe" by Joe Henderson. Henderson's not my favorite tenor, but with some of Lee Morgan's hottest playing, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Cedar Walton on piano, and Hutcherson's usual drummer Joe Chambers, it's as good as Blue Note gets -- I'd rate it "tied for first" with 120 other LPs. It's such a fresh sound.

i dig.

Herbie Lewis was a friend of mine, passed away several years ago. Sometimes I hear his voice coming from the radio through "big Mama", his double bass viol which was crafted in 1795. Thanks for posting this beautiful music.