Search - Andrew Hill :: Shades

Shades of greatness

Johnny Yen | Tokyo, Japan | 04/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andrew Hill has long been one of the most stimulating and challenging of pianists in the jazz idiom. Most newcomers to his work are directed to the groundbreaking Blue Notes he recorded in the 60's but his output has maintained consistently high standards. He doesn't put a foot (or finger) wrong on this date. He has a sympathetic rhythm section in Rufus Reid and Ben Riley (Monk's drummer of choice in his later quartets);. Standout tracks are 'Tripping' and 'Ball Square'- they would grace any of his classic Blue Notes. His work in commenting on the melody and stretching and turning the material at will at any tempo call to mind Herbie Nichols as much as Monk ( 'the master' is usually namechecked whenever Hill's playing is up for discussion). What I love about Hill is that there are no superfluous gestures or grandstanding at the service of ego, unlike say Jarrett at his most wearisome where every incantation has to be recieved as if it come down the mountain with Moses. Hill just gets on with the job of making intelligent, listenable and downright superlative music almost every time he sits down at the piano."

Wowza

Suzy CreamCheese | tonto | 12/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"well the word genius gets said more often than merited but this guy must have been some intelligent mofo. every album of his so far has floored me and ive listened to more or less all the music under the sun."