Rodney Whitaker - Mosaic (Origin Records) releasing February 15, 2025

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At just fifty-six years young, Rodney Whitaker has cemented his legendary status as a sought-after bassist extraordinaire and, arguably the pre-eminent jazz educator of his generation. The Detroit, MI native, recently elected to the hallowed ranks of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences that includes such innovators as Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to firmly establish himself as superb interpreter of original music, notably through his fruitful association with composer Gregg Hill. Mosaic (Origin, 2025) is the fourth collaboration between Hill and Whitaker, and features his vibrant, working band imbuing Hill's fresh, idiosyncratic compositions with fiery interaction, deep swing, wise decisions, and a forward-thinking sense of adventure.

The title track "Mosaic" immediately drops the listener deep into the pensive waters of Hill's soundscape as drummer Dana Hall's mallets and cymbal shimmers create a magical atmosphere. We are treated to splendid introductions to the band's fluid creativity as trumpeter Terrell Stafford, saxophonist Tim Warfield on soprano, pianist Rick Roe and leader Whitaker swing compellingly over the song's chord structure. Vocalist Rockelle Whitaker adds soulful warmth and power over the grooving "Unknown Ballade" building to a stunning refrain of "is it real?" at the song's exciting, gripping conclusion. Warfield returns to tenor saxophone of the frontline with Stafford for catchy, Mingus-like phrasing of "Claxilever". Over the percolating rumble of this earthy rhythm section, Stafford and Warfield recall the buoyant feel and sonic camaraderie of Ornette Coleman/Don Cherry and Horace Silver's frontline of Tom Harrell and Bob Berg. "Katie's Tune" takes us into an Afro Cuban-inspired fusion of the waltz feel that hums with an aura of freedom and modernity that has become a hallmark of Whitaker's musical voice.

The Whitaker/Hill pairing is notable for the diversity of influences and viewpoints they incorporate, and the rich vibrations that this sophisticated fusion of musical ingredients can produce. We see this in the melding of 6/8, 12/8 and 4/4 rhythms that herald the melody of "Moonscape". Rockelle Whitaker joyfully engages the dynamic intervals of Hill's ambitious melody, once again displaying passionate authority that adds brilliance to the ensemble. More of Hill's humor is on display throughout "Ray-Dias" as the intro teases contrasting phrasing aesthetics hinting at the spirited boogaloo groove of the 1960's. Stafford's soaring solo recalls the influential power of Freddie Hubbard while retaining his own identity - no easy feat, and something many trumpeters fall victim to. Warfield, returning to soprano, leads the band through a grand exodus of rubato stylings before Hall solos mightily over the dance-like punctuations of departing melody. Whitaker's skillful arranging blends the beauty of modern jazz, through-composition techniques and an engagingly wide dynamic range with his take on Hill's "Still Life with Tuba". Notable is the intensity that all members perform with, recalling the strength of character present in Max Roach's "Freedom Now Suite". "Sloe Gin Fizz" features Whitaker's defining, and poetic solo work directly after the catchy, singable melody. Indeed, the entire band opens up here, replete with a reference to Kenny Barron's "Voyage" and iconic tenor melodic sheets of sound known colloquially as "shredding". The interplay between the rhythm section during Roe's solo is a masterclass on listening, accompaniment, and interactive improvising.

The emotion is palpable in Ms. Whitaker's voice as she commands the melody of "Stargazer" with echoes of NEA Jazz Master Abbey Lincoln's influence looking on approvingly. This tender, but insistent ballad is perfectly situated now in the journey of this album's playlist. The anthemic "Sunday Special" has Detroit stamped all throughout this performance, and serves as a fitting, soulful goodbye-embrace to an hour of intelligent, compelling exploration in the realm of America's own creation: Jazz music. Rodney Whitaker, Gregg Hill and company are a thoroughly engaging, critically acclaimed and successful team. This fourth project is another resounding confirmation. As a musician and admirer of them both, I can only hope there is a fifth such outing. Enjoy the many colors, moods, and spirits on full display throughout Rodney Whitaker's 2025 recording Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill.

Written by: Michael Dease, world renowned trombonist, baritone saxophonist, bandleader, educator, and perennial Downbeat poll winner
TRACK, TIMES:
01. Mosaic 8:21
02. Unknown Ballad 4:57
03. Claxilever 5:09
04. Katie's Tune 5:44
05. Moonscape 7:00
06. Ray-Dias 7:12
07. Still Life with Tuba 6:15
08. Sloe Gin Fizz 5:06
09. Stargazer 7:01
10. Sunday Special 4:13

Compositions by Gregg Hill
Arranged by Rodney Whitaker
Lyrics by Rockelle Whitaker (5, 7, 9), Randy Napoleon (2)

PLAYER, INSTRUMENT:
Terell Stafford - trumpet & flugelhorn
Tim Warfield - tenor & soprano saxophone
Rick Roe - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Dana Hall - drums
Rockelle Whitaker- vocals (2, 5, 7, 9)
Gregg Hill – compositions

Credits:
Produced by Gregg Hill & Rodney Whitaker
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Eric Wojahn
at Solid Sound Recording Co., Ann Arbor, Michigan
Recorded on March 9-10th, 2024
Photography & cover design concept by
Lynne Brown
Design and Layout by John Bishop

Artist: Rodney Whitaker
Album: Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill
Label: Origin Records
Add Date: February 17, 2025
Street Date: February 15, 2024
Artist Websites: www. gregghilljazz.com | rodneywhitaker.com

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