Puppets - The Music of Gregg Hill

Known as the longtime sideman of Freddie Cole, guitarist Randy Napoleon stretches out a bit on this album with Aubrey Johnson/voc, Rick Roe/p, Rodney Whitaker-Brandon Rose/dr, Quincy Davis-Will Cranderl/dr and Seth Ebersole/wwinds, as he interprets the material of composer Gregg Hill. Johnson mixes wordless tones and lyrics, swinging through "Andy's Lament" and warmth to the sublime "Moonscape". Her lyrics are clear and coy, teamed with the leader on "The Unknown Ballad" and a tasty treat for "Truck Driver's Blues". Napoleon himself is the second coming of Oscar Moore, lithely swinging on "Wide River" and hip as all get out on "Lyrica". Sublime seasonings.