The Other Shoe: The Music of Gregg Hill

5/5 - "UNMISTAKABLY GREAT" The trombonist Michael Dease (*1982) is one of today's best jazz trombonists who has recorded numerous first-class albums, especially in the mainstream. What was new for me was that he is also a very good baritone sax player, which he shows on the slow, very groovy "The Goodbye Blues," "Rio Mio" with a Caribbean touch, and the relatively free title track "The Other Shoe" sets in. On The Other Shoe Dease presents a total of ten Greg Hill compositions, all of which he arranged for his carefully selected ensemble. On the one hand, the excellent pianist Geoffrey Keezer shines here, particularly adding improvisational highlights to the ballads "The Classic" and "Summer Nights." On the other hand, clarinetist Virginia MacDonald impresses with imaginative solos, which also gives the tracks an exquisite warmth. The all-female rhythm team with Liany Mateo (db) and Colleen Clark (dr) was also excellent. Guests also include bassist Rodney Whitaker on "Hello Blues," trombonist Joel Perez on "The Goodbye Blues" and "Rio Mio," and two percussionists. (Translated from German)