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| Rick Roe, Robert Hurst, Nate Winn: Tribute (Cold Plunge Records) Rick Roe's latest release, Tribute: The Music of Gregg Hill, is a heartfelt homage to Lansing-based composer Gregg Hill, brought to life with a stellar trio featuring Robert Hurst on bass and Nate Winn on drums. The album weaves together a series of twelve compelling tracks that explore the full spectrum of jazz expression, from lyrical ballads to dynamic, rhythm-driven pieces. Rick Roe is a distinguished jazz pianist, composer, and educator with over a dozen recordings to his name. His debut album, Monk's Modern Music, is highly regarded in jazz circles. Roe has performed with greats like Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Belgrave, and Rodney Whitaker, and has served as an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University. Robert Hurst, a Detroit native, is a celebrated bassist and composer with a career spanning over 30 years. A seven-time GRAMMY Award winner, Hurst has collaborated with icons such as Sir Paul McCartney, Wynton Marsalis, and Diana Krall. He is currently an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Michigan and has contributed to over 250 recordings and numerous film scores. Nate Winn discovered his passion for drums at the age of four. Born and raised in Detroit, his versatile playing style is influenced by jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel. Winn holds degrees from Wayne State University and Berklee College of Music and has performed with artists like Pat Metheny, Terence Blanchard, and Kurt Whalum. He is also a Professor of Jazz Drums at the University of Michigan. Rick Roe's latest release, Tribute: The Music of Gregg Hill, is a heartfelt homage to Lansing-based composer Gregg Hill, brought to life with a stellar trio featuring Robert Hurst on bass and Nate Winn on drums. The album weaves together a series of twelve compelling tracks that explore the full spectrum of jazz expression, from lyrical ballads to dynamic, rhythm-driven pieces. The album opens with "Elden's Bop, " a lilting waltz that gracefully shifts into a swinging rhythm, driven by Nate Winn's forceful drumming. This sets the stage for "Ducks Night Out, " where Robert Hurst's arco bass introduction transitions into a laid-back groove, giving Rick Roe room to explore inventive piano lines, supported by Winn's dynamic rhythms. The energy continues with "Mr. Pea, " a playful romp that showcases Roe's lively piano work intertwined with the vigorous interplay of bass and drums. "Julie's Tune" offers a change of pace, presenting a tender moment of lyricism, highlighted by Hurst's soulful bowed bass solo. This gentle mood continues with "Sunday Special, " a calming piece that evokes a sense of tranquility through the understated dialogue between piano and pizzicato bass. In "Tribute, " the album's title track, the trio returns to a more intense rhythmic atmosphere, featuring rich arco bass and powerful drum solos that demonstrate the ensemble's cohesiveness. "Floating Candles" exemplifies the trio's collaborative spirit, with each member contributing equally to a complex yet harmonious tapestry of sound. "Ballade" then settles into an easy groove, allowing space for articulate bass statements and flowing exchanges between piano and drums. The slightly jagged rhythm of "Sharrie Sharrie" adds an element of surprise, with each musician pushing the others in a tightly knit dance that keeps the listener engaged. The album moves toward a reflective mood with "Soul Element, " capturing the feeling of calm satisfaction at the end of a long journey. "Summer Nights" continues this intimate and comfortable dialogue, showcasing the deep connection between the trio members. The final track, "The Singer, " brings the album to a fitting close, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration that defines this project, with compatible interaction that highlights the mutual attunement of these accomplished musicians. Through Tribute: The Music of Gregg Hill, Rick Roe and his trio celebrate the depth and variety of Gregg Hill's compositions, creating a listening experience that is both intimate and expansive, embodying the very essence of jazz as an evolving conversation among artists. TRACK CREDITS: 1. Elden's Bop 3:17 2. Ducks Night Out 5:49 3. Mr. Pea 2:50 4. Julie's Tune 7:03 5. Sunday Special 4:49 6. Tribute 4:01 7. Floating Candles 5:02 8. Ballade 5:59 9. Sharrie Sharrie 3:35 10. Soul Element 4:26 11. Summer Nights 4:11 12. The Singer 3:34 Playing time: 54:36 PLAYERS, INSTRUMENT: Rick Roe: piano Robert Hurst: bass Nate Winn: drums All music composed by Gregg Hill All songs arranged By Rick Roe Recorded at Solid Sound Recording Company Ann Arbor, Michigan on July 17th and 18th, 2024 Recording Engineer - Eric Wojahn Edited, mixed, and mastered by Eric Wojahn Photography and album design by Lynne Brown Artist: Rick Roe Album Name: Tribute: The Music of Gregg Hill Label: Cold Plunge Records Street Date: January 3, 2025 Add Date: January 6, 2024 Artist Websites: gregghilljazz.com roejazz.com write your comments about the article :: © 2024 Jazz News :: home page |