The vibraphone, that sweet-sounding array of metal bars that can make its presence known even when alongside a big band of trumpets, saxes, and trombones, has never been as commonplace as those instruments throughout jazz history. Vibraphonists are still out there, of course, lugging the large, unwieldy instrument to various gigs as they follow in the musical footsteps of greats such as Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, and others, but their numbers are comparatively small. Female jazz vibraphonists are even rarer—and a 14-year-old female vibraphonist, who is already dazzling audiences in concerts and in clubs she’s too young to patronize as a customer, is nothing less than unique.
Evelyn Yosmali, who completed the 9th grade in June at Clark Montessori High School in Cincinnati, is that outstanding musician. She continues to improve and impress those who witness her swing on the vibes to classic jazz standards not only in school, but in a variety of venues around the city.
After seeing her play in both Barcelona in 2022 and at the CPS Jazz Festival in Cincinnati the following year, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Evelyn and her mother Amy together via video chat several times. Evelyn’s experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm for jazz is increasing and expanding at a fast and steady clip, as she pursues life as a musician with a happy but sensible det
