Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill

5-STARS Trombonist and baritone saxophonist Michael Dease (*1982) was last featured in JNM 05/23 on his album "Soft Shoe." Now he follows up with "Found In Space," in which he once again presents the highly sophisticated compositions of 78-year-old Gregg Hill, who has been honored musically on many albums in recent years. For his album, Michael Dease has assembled an eleven-piece ensemble with seven exquisite wind instruments and a magnificent rhythm section featuring Bill Cunliffe, Katie Thiroux, Colleen Clark, and Gwendolyn Dease. Of the ten tracks, each lasting approximately 71 minutes, the swinging "One For Rodney," dedicated to bassist Rodney Whitaker, and "The Puppet Thief," both beautifully arranged by Bill Cunliffe, stand out; the ballads "Chillin With Wess," dedicated to New Orleans clarinetist Wessel Anderson, and "Anthem" and "Nostalgia," both artfully arranged by Michael Dease.