| Paradise Cove / Gospeljazzical | |
| PARADISE
COVE Lisa Hilton has become my favorite modern-day jazz pianist. Her previous three albums, “Oasis,” “Life is Beautiful” and “Escapism” were splendid, but she has outdone herself on her latest, PARADISE COVE. Working with her new L.I.L.O. Quartet (instead of a trio), Hilton plays soulfully and masterfully on eleven tunes, several of which are personal compositions. Backing her up are trumpeter Igmar Thomas, bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Obed Calvaire. Curtis has played with Hilton since 2018; the others are first-time collaborators but mesh beautifully with her piano work in the studio. Amazingly, the band managed to achieve this spontaneously, as Hilton does not believe in rehearsing before she records. The aim of PARADISE COVE was to play music that would boost people’s moods and morale in this post-plague time, “our world desires and deserves a lift.” To kick things off, Hilton picked “Birks’ Works,” the jaunty tune by Dizzy Gillespie, with Thomas flying high on his horn. Two of Hilton’s compositions followed, “Fast Time Blues” and “Blues Vagabond,” with Hilton giving a boppish, joyous lilt to both. Then came a change of pace, “Another Simple Sunday With You,” which allowed Hilton to play softly and lyrically, only to shift gears once more on “Cha Cha Cha A La Carte,” which she played with rollicking Latin exuberance and fire. That’s how the rest of the album goes, with fast and slow numbers alternating but always sounding freshA and captivating, thanks to Hilton’s magical fingers. (Lisahiltonmusic.com)
GOSPELJAZZICAL
is imbued with McGee's deep love of all manifestations of black music.
His spiritual dedication and bold piano work (and occasional vocalizing)
make for an impressive and inspiring listening experience. |