Joe Roland, Vibraphone
Current News: 10/12/09
Dad passed on today at 1:15pm, of natural causes. I honored his wishes to let him go naturally and avoid extensive medical care. His way was to avoid doctors and drugs his whole life. He lived 89 good years and was a fighter right to the end.
Many thanks to all who have written with emails of praise and thanks. His music will live on. As my schedule loosens up, I plan to devote my efforts to
highlighting his life’s work in some personal manner.
I am very proud of my father
who is considered,
"The Art Tatum of the Vibraphone."
My father:
Joe Roland on Vibraphone
Joe Played in Birdland and Carnegie Hall with the greatest
musicians of the day such as Artie Shaw, George Shearing, Chuck Wayne, Howard McGee, Oscar Pettiford, Dick Garcia and many others.
Mom with my brother Peter, 1952. I wasn't born until 1953.. and guess who the woman on the left is.
George Shearing's first wife Trixie.
The Shearing Band. On tour in Hawaii.
I know that is Big Al McKibbon, bass player. second from left. Great guy and a great friend of dads.
I hung out with him in Miami in the 70's.
Performing with Lionel Hampton. I remember "Hamp" saying on stage... "Show them your love Joe."
I remember seeing Dizzy Gillespie throw
dad in the air! Can you tell they
were glad to see each other?
Joe Roland Early publicity photo.
CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD
The song “After You’ve Gone.”
From Joe’s Bethlehem album.
THERE’S PLENTY MORE ON YOUTUBE.
The Musician's Table in Birdland.
What a picture! I wish Erroll Garner was more visible.
He and dad were good friends. Inspiring for me
was his statement to dad, "I just do what I do!"
Joe with Artie Shaw and
the Grammercy Five, 1954
Here's Mom! Marion was a big time bar owner in my home town on Long Island. She was the queen of the town. Sadly, Mom recently passed on January 15th, 2007. She was a positive and happy force who gave a tremendous amount of love to everyone she touched.
Joe with George Shearing, 1952
As Joe appeared nightly, performing at
Monty Trainer’s Bayshore Restaurant in
Coconut Grove during the 70’s and 80’s.
Joe with guitarist, friend
Joe Puma, 1953
Joe Roland leads his String Quartet. Original manuscripts, written at Julliard are still on hand!
Try these links to hear some of Joe's music.
Joe with George Shearing, 1952
Marion 1972 at Miami Seaquarium
Marion 2003 in my home
in Jupiter, Fl.
Here's a nice note.
Two great vibe players, both of whom have played with Shearing, have recently contacted Joe.
--- Warren Chiasson, wrote on 5/17/07 for dad's 87th birthday.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE. KEEP SWINGIN' BABY! your pal, WARREN CHIASSON.”
Here's a link to Warren's site where you can hear his great music: Warren Chiasson's Website
--- Charlie Shoemake: A few years ago Charlie was kind enough to send Joe Cd's of himself playing vibes and his wife singing. His artistry is fantastic. In his letter, he humbly complimented Joe and dad eventually followed with a nice phone conversation about memories with George Sharing. Charlie has initiated a movement of Jazz in Southern California. Here’s his site: Charlie Shoemake's Website
Bassist Mik Groniger played with dad for many years at Monty’s in the Grove.
Joe Roland with Buddy DeFranco
