| 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. |
| Joe with Artie Shaw and the Grammercy Five, 1954 |
| Left to right - Joe Gabriel (guitarist friend), myself and father Joe Roland. Joe was about 81 in this photo. |
| 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 to everyone she touched. |
| Joe Roland with Buddy DeFranco. |
Roland on Piano.com
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| I use my last name only "Roland" for my professional performance. I am very proud of my father who is considered, "The Art Tatum of the Vibraphone." |
| Joe with George Shearing, 1952 |
| Dad's good friend, Lionel Hampton sitting in on his vibes, 1952 |
| Joe with guitarist friend Joe Puma, 1952 |
| Just an interesting note: Our good friend and drummer, Bill Priess just attained the Jenco Vibraphone that you see pictured above. The vibes were very old and on their last leg. Bill is now restoring them with new wood and refurbishing all the metal. It made dad very happy to know that Bill respectfully appreciates the antique value and history involved with his vibes. His Musser set, which he used as his main vibraphone in recent years is now for sale. He played it for 15 years at Monty Trainer's Bayshore Restaurant in Coconut Grove, where he trained many young musicians. These vibes have historic value to be sure. Hampton's sold for $50,000.00!! Interested parties can send us an email from the "Contact Us" page. |
| Here's a nice note. Two great vibe players, both of whom have played with Shearing, have recently contacted Joe. --- Warren Chiasson, who is also mentioned on the above link, just wrote today 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: --- Charlie Shomake: 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: |
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| 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. |
| I know that is Big Al McKibbon, bass player., second from left. Great guy and great friends of dads. I met him in Miami in the 70's. |
| Performing with Lionel Hampton. I remember "Hamp" saying on stage... "Show them your love Joe." |
| Maybe love of motorcycles is genetic. Dad was on the crashboats in the Alutian Islands during WWII. The only one on board with a motorcycle. |
| I remember seeing the Diz throw dad in the air! Can you tell they were glad to see each other? |
| Try this link to hear samples of Joe's music. |
| The Shearing band. On tour in Hawaii. |
| One of Joe's 78's was listed on ebay for $179.00 |
| 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 is his statement to dad, "I just do what I do!" |
| (Click on Pictures to enlarge.) |
| Early publicity shot for solo albums. |
| Current News: 10/12/09 Dad passed on today at 1:15pm. Let's just call it "Old Age." As his conditioned worsened in recent months, 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 lifes work in some personal manner. |