...one of the truly premier players on his instrument anywhere. His dexterity, fluid ideas and command of a tricky instrument must be recognized as top drawer.
Surrounded by the brilliant musical family who have centered his band for years—bassist Rodney Whitaker, pianist Rick Roe and drummer Quincy Davis—guitarist Randy Napoleon calls back four of his fleet-fingered, virtuoso former guitar students to share the stage and build up something new for this ambitious album, his 10th as a leader. Centered on compositions from the prolific Gregg Hill, along with several of his own, he arranged each for this 5-guitar choir of musicians, all connected through years of Napoleon's mentorship, each fully evolved in their own artistry. Whether adding other-worldly harmonic density, lush string-like backgrounds, subtle counter melodies or cascading rhythmic intrigue, Waking Dream comes across as a one-of-a-kind sonic experience, while still in the mainstream of modern jazz recordings.
"...one of the more admired guitarists today...a superb musician, much sought-after for his idiomatic interpretations." Raul da Gama
Track Listing:
1 Super Moon 7:35
2 The Speckled Frog 8:29
3 Waking Dream 7:05
4 Two Thoughts 7:28
5 Cafe Brasilia 5:31
6 The Singer 5:41
7 52 Pickup 5:27
8 Riverside Blossoms 8:07
9 Jo Jo Jo 7:57
10 Boom Boom 5:45
Compositions by:
Randy Napoleon (1,4,8,10)
Gregg Hill (2,3,5,6,7,9)
Performers:
Randy Napoleon - guitar
Luke Sittard - guitar
Chris Minami - guitar
Jocelyn Gould - guitar
Ben Turner - guitar
Rick Roe - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Quincy Davis - drums
GUESTS:
Walter Blanding - tenor saxophone (10)
Michael Dease - trombone (8)
Anthony Stanco - trumpet (2)
Langston Kitchen - bass (6,7)
Michael J. Reed - drums (6,7)
Lynne Brown - guiro (2)
Production Info:
Produced by Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Corey DeRushia
at Troubadour Recording Studios, Lansing, MI
Recorded November 18-19, 2024
Cover painting by Fay Kleinman
Photography & cover concept by Lynne Brown
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of Waking Dream
Paris Move (Thierry De Clemensat)
4-STARS A Guitarist's Dreamscape: Randy Napoleon's Waking Dream Weaves Beauty, Cohesion, and a Subtle Farewell to Gregg Hill.
For discerning lovers of exquisite guitar work and eloquent musical storytelling, Waking Dream emerges as a masterstroke. The album stands not merely as a showcase of Randy Napoleon's virtuosic touch, but also as a lumin ...
Jazz Weekly (George Harris)
Earning his stripes as Freddie Cole's guitarist for years, Randy Napoleon has been building up a catalogue featuring his warm strings in a variety of context. He returns to the songbook of Greg Hill, but this time bringing in a slew of fellow six stringers to add depth and delight. Luke Sittard, Chris Minami, Jocelyn Gould and Ben Turner form a for ...
avxforum.hu (Budapest) (Rudolf Radnai)
Randy Napoleon's new album is a real speciality. The excellent guitarist asked his four fast-fingered, virtuoso student to contribute to this ambitious album. The album features half of his own compositions and half of Greg Hill's compositions. The album, arranged for a choir of five guitarists, provides a unique sound experience, worth listening t ...
Jazz Music Archives (Carmel DeSoto)
4-STARS "Waking Dream" is a project by guitarist Randy Napoleon and composer Gregg Hill that puts a focus on imaginative compositions and music that leans into the sonics of multiple guitars to illuminate its message. Across ten original compositions (split between Hill and Napoleon), "Waking Dream" uses its unlikely orchestration of five guitars ...
All About Jazz (Pierre Giroux)
In Waking Dream, guitarist Randy Napoleon has assembled a musical family whose shared history fosters a strong sense of cohesion, one that goes beyond the leader's skillful guitar work. Longtime collaborators bassist Rodney Whitaker, pianist Rick Roe and drummer Quincy Davis form the rhythmic and harmonic foundation, while four additional guitarist ...
