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| Randy Napoleon - Puppets, The Music of Gregg Hill (Origin Arts/OA2) Randy Napoleon's new album Puppets. It is the latest collaboration with Napoleon and jazz composer Gregg Hill. "Puppets" is the title cut of the album of the same name and is a wonderful in-studio glimpse of how it was made. Recorded at Troubadour Recording Studios, Lansing Michigan Puppetry is a performance art form stretching back to Egypt over 4, 000 years ago. Puppets on strings with marionettes in front of flashy backdrops were used beyond entertainment. They expressed the feelings of their cultures, sometimes as political statements, and also to induce laughter, romance, lament and even gestures of conflict. This musical depiction of puppets in 2022 is conjured up by Mid-Michigan composer Gregg Hill, and executed by guitarist Randy Napoleon, vocalist Aubrey Johnson, and a stellar all-star jazz ensemble. It is Randy's effort to continue his rise, in my opinion, as one of the truly premier players on his instrument anywhere. His dexterity, fluid ideas and command of a tricky instrument must be recognized as top drawer. He and Gregg are pulling the musical strings of these puppets. Gregg Hill's music has been documented by bands led by bassist Rodney Whitaker, guitarist Elden Kelly, drummer GayeLynn McKinney and others. This recording shows more of the breadth and depth of Hill's compositions than previous efforts, and adds a vocal element, more expansive charts with different instruments, not to mention the stellar musicianship. Known for his love of Latin Jazz, this recording is a departure for Hill's previous mindset. Randy is someone I've known since he was a teenager. The first time I heard him was as a participant in the Heritage Jazz Competition. This annual event took place in Ypsilanti, Michigan during the yearly Heritage Festival. The local jazz station sponsored the contest and I was the head judge. The competition spawned many players who would go on to be working professional musicians. When I first heard him it was very clear he had talent, and Randy was awarded a scholarship. Randy was born in Brooklyn and raised by his wonderful parents Greg and Davi in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After cutting his teeth in Detroit, he moved to the epicenter of modern jazz, New York City. In 2014 he returned to Michigan to reside as a Michigan State University Professor of Jazz. That is where he met Gregg Hill, and the rest is history, resulting in this effort. Working with singers is nothing new for Randy, having had extensive time with pop star Michael Buble, and the late legend of jazz Freddy Cole, younger brother of Nat "King" Cole. This recording is a worthy follow-up to his solid and acclaimed 2021 OA2 CD Rust Belt Roots, a tribute to Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell. Randy has been a considerable voice in small ensembles, organ combos or even big bands. It shows his versatility, willingness to be flexible and adapt to the challenges of any situation. Aubrey Johnson is a star in her own right. The NYC based singer has done her share of teaching, performing, and establishing her own wordless scat style that bridges the sounds of Anita O'Day, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton and Jeanne Lee. This original music is challenging, tuneful and even forward thinking. Gregg Hill's music in this context lays out a contemporary context firmly rooted in modal, post-bop jazz and even the blues. Pianist Rick Roe is an Ann Arbor fixture who leads his own stellar trio, and his pure talent borders on the astonishing. He has also worked with his share of singers. His mother Betsy King was a prominent vocalist in her heyday. An expert in the music of Thelonious Monk, Rick's playing, ability to listen, and dedication to teamwork is a key factor in the synergy and attaching the solid fusing of this group's identity. Bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Quincy Davis have their own extensive list of credentials as professional jazz musicians. From ensemble to solo and soloists, they are simply the best in the business. I've known Rodney since he was a young Paul Chambers influenced student and am pleased to call him a friend and colleague through the decades. Seth Ebersole also adds to the mix with some tasty bass clarinet and flute work throughout the album. The music of this collective effort is remarkably consistent, yet diverse. The opener "Andy's Lament" is a sweet tone setter, only a brief foray into this program, a taste if you will. "Fan-O-Gram" is really the booster, a shot of fuel for the energy of the band with hot bop. Will Crandell (drums) and Brandon Rose (bass) fill in on this one. Aubrey's wordless scatting alongside the guitar lines combines with a wondrous solo from Randy. "The Jazzdiddy Waltz" is purely bluesy, "Lyrica" has a nice easy feeling and is a great feature for Rick, while "Moonscape" features Randy's arrangement expertise and some deft tandem lines. The title track is a bit quirky, as you might expect, featuring lyrics written by Randy and sung succinctly, patiently and soulfully by Aubrey. I like "Still Life with Tuba" in that it has a near European feel a la ECM, maybe reflecting Norma Winstone with a low-end horn. "The Unknown Ballade" has its own misterioso image. It features an outstanding guitar solo and deep emotional and musical range. "Tone Colors" lives up to its title as Aubrey channels the now 93 years young Sheila Jordan. No small feat. She reflects another great, Patsy Cline, on the simple- but get down "Truck Driver's Blues". The closer, "Wide River", is a Randy/Aubrey duet that recalls both traditional and contemporary precepts. Of course, puppet strings can easily be cut, rendering the figures lying lifeless on the floor. These puppets are full of musical life for future live performances. They have many stories to tell on this fine recording for years to come. PLAYERS, INSTRUMENT: RANDY NAPOLEON guitar, arrangements & lyrics (6, 8, 11) AUBREY JOHNSON vocals RODNEY WHITAKER bass QUINCY DAVIS drums RICK ROE piano SETH EBERSOLE Bass clarinet (5, 6, 7 & 8) & flute 3, 4 & 5) BRANDON ROSE bass (2) WILL CRANDELL drums (2) GREGG HILL lyrics (10) TRACKS AND TIMES & COMPOSER: 1 Andy's Lament 5:19 2 Fan-O-Gram 5:54 3 The Jazzdiddy Waltz 4:19 4 Lyrica 7:10 5 Moonscape 7:03 6 Puppets 7:28 7 Still Life with Tuba 6:28 8 The Unknown Ballade 6:20 9 Tone Colors 6:40 10 Truck Driver's Blues 3:33 11 Wide River 3:16 Compositions by Gregg Hill Lyrics by Randy Napoleon (6, 8, 11) Gregg Hill (10) Arranged by Randy Napoleon write your comments about the article :: © 2022 Jazz News :: home page |