Pianist Doug Hall gives a lush, fluid, and profoundly detailed approach to his beautiful and dynamic compositions. As conveyed through the brightness and exquisiteness of his notes, you sense inner joy channeling through him. Featuring some of New York cities finest John Hebert (Andrew Hill, Kenny Werner) on bass, Bruce Hall Bob Beldon) on drums and Adam Kolker (Ray Barretto Band) on saxophones, "Jihi" was recorded at The Studio in New York City and engineered by the talented Jim Anderson.
The compositions on Jihi range from ballads such as "Under the Rainbow" and "Be From You," showcasing Doug's beautifully developed harmonies, to high energy and steady tension-driven themes such as "Darkstream," displaying a free-flowing urban feel while still swinging throughout. "After the Fact" demonstrates Doug's ability to completely change tactility throughout the song while keeping it seamlessly together. This music is resplendent ensemble playing with sensitive yet commanding voices on each instrument.
Jihi (je-he`) in Japanese Buddhist texts means compassion. Ji, meaning "to give happiness" and hi, "to remove suffering." Removing suffering and giving joy in it's simplest terms is the spirit of Doug Hall's "Jihi." The healing qualities of music itself are universal, and Doug Hall's ability to draw from this quality with a floret of harmonious melodies is sublime.
About Doug Hall
Born into a musical family in Dallas, Texas, Doug Hall began studying piano
at age six and made his orchestral debut with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
at age nine. At the age of twelve, he became interested in jazz, and for the
next several years competed in classical piano competitions and performed
with orchestras, including another performance with the
Dallas Symphony at age fifteen, and at the same time writing compositions
for his high-school jazz ensemble. After graduating a year early, he was
awarded a Memorial Composition Scholarship from North Texas State University
and entered college at sixteen.
While citing Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, and McCoy Tyner as
early influences, Doug has found his own sound and style. He has performed
with such luminaries as Dave Liebman, James Moody, Chet Baker, Joe Farrell,
Victor Wooten, Lee Konitz, and Bill Watrous, and played on Music of Sting (Bob
Belden Ensemble, Blue Note Records). His 1997 debut CD, Three Wishes, which
features Marc Johnson on bass and Bruce Hall on drums, received positive
recognition and accreditation from critics, with reviewers referring to him
as Austin's most diverse keyboard virtuoso.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
