A stone cold master class...so heart felt and spirited it just transcends all boundaries. Killer stuff.
Recently honored with induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences through his decades-long status as a prolific bassist and preeminent jazz educator, Rodney Whitaker also continues his role as a consummate interpreter of original music, notably through this fruitful association with composer Gregg Hill. Mosaic is the fourth collaboration between the two, and with his vibrant, working band - featuring vocalist Rockelle Whitaker, along with trumpeter Terell Stafford, saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Rick Roe and drummer Dana Hall - they imbue Hill's fresh, idiosyncratic compositions with fiery interaction, deep swing, wise decisions, and a forward-thinking sense of adventure.
"The variety is broad, and the band itself can blow up a storm!" WTJU
1 Mosaic 8:21
2 Unknown Ballad 4:57
3 Claxilever 5:09
4 Katie's Tune 5:44
5 Moonscape 7:00
6 Ray-Dias 7:12
7 Still Life with Tuba 6:15
8 Sloe Gin Fizz 5:06
9 Stargazer 7:01
10 Sunday Special 4:13
Compositions by Gregg Hill
Arranged by Rodney Whitaker
Lyrics by Rockelle Whitaker (5,7,9) & Randy Napoleon (2)
Terell Stafford - trumpet & flugelhorn
Tim Warfield - tenor & soprano saxophone
Rick Roe - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Dana Hall - drums
Rockelle Whitaker - vocals (2,5,7,9)
Produced by Gregg Hill & Rodney Whitaker
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Eric Wojahn
at Solid Sound Recording Co., Ann Arbor, Michigan
Recorded on March 9-10, 2024
Photography & cover design concept by Lynne Brown
Cover Design & Layout by John Bishop