Former pianist Jay Hoggard came out of the '70s as one of the top vibraphone players in the world of jazz. His recording career began in 1978 with the record Solo Vibraphone, which had much more avant-garde leanings than his later career would show. He began recording with noted pianist Anthony Davis, bringing his music a wider cultural range as he integrated Asian and African music into his palette. He remains an in-demand player and composer.
