Outrospection: The Music of Gregg Hill

Michigan bassist Rodney Whitaker gives tribute to the pen of fellow statesman Gregg Hill on this classy post bop album teaming the leader with Xavier Davis/p, Dana Hall-Randy Gelispie/dr, Diego Rivera-Marcus Elliot/sax, Randy Napoleon/g, Michael Dease/tb, Etienne Charles/tp and Rockelle Whitaker. The result is a lyrical mix of moods that keep a smile on your face. Ms Whitaker soulfully struts with Rivera's tenor on "New Sunday" and blossoms on the gorgeous "Stargazer" while going impressionistic during "Ballade". Dease slides easy on "J-Quest" and the pretty title tune with Davis. The team flexes its muscles on the bopping "Aloogabooga" and digs into a deep blues on the snappy "Bridge to Nashua". Music like this makes you want to know these guys better, and dig deeper into Hill's catalogue.