Outrospection by Rodney Whitaker

From the album

Album Title: Outrospection: The Music of Gregg Hill
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2021

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About the Album

The charismatic performances that distinguish Outrospection center on the 11 expressive compositions from Gregg Hill, an under-the-radar composer of imagination and emotional depth. Renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker first recognized Hill's music several years ago, and soon after they teamed up for the 2018 release, "Common Ground." Warmth and humanity resonate throughout the recording, grown out of their friendship, two men of disparate generations and backgrounds who found each other through the music. "We both know how to listen," Whitaker reflects. "Our common ground is the music. It's really the great neutralizer." The exceptional improvisors joining Whitaker are drawn primarily from the jazz faculty at Michigan State University, the program he has helmed for two decades. Forming quartets and quintets with the rest of the rhythm section, Xavier Davis on piano and drummer Dana Hall, are Etienne Charles on trumpet, trombonist Michael Dease, saxophonists Diego Rivera and Marcus Elliott. Rockelle Whitaker contributes lyrics and vocals to four of Hill's compositions.

Song Listing

Outrospection; New Sunday; Dollah Hollah; Bridge to Nashua; Stargazer; J-Quest; Ballade; Cadillac Club; Aloogabooga; Pointe Being; The Peace Song.

Personnel

Rodney Whitaker

bass

Xavier Davis

piano

Randy Gelispie

drums

Michael Dease

trombone

Additional Personnel

Dana Hall: drums; Rockelle Whitaker: vocals (2,5,7,9); Etienne Charles: trumpet (3,10,11); Diego Rivera: saxophone (2,4,7,8); Marcus Elliot: saxophone (9,11); Randy Napoleon: guitar (5). All music composed by Gregg Hill & arranged by Rodney Whitaker, Lyrics by Rockelle Whitaker (2,5,7,9) Produced by Gregg Hill and Rodney Whitaker Recorded & mixed by Corey DeRuschia at Troubadour Studios, Lansing Michigan Recorded on August 7-9 2020 Mastered by Jim Alfredson at Lansing, Michigan Photography by Lynne Brown Cover design & layout by John Bishop

Reviews

Outrospection: The Music of Gregg Hill by Paul Rauch

Date featured

March 26, 2021

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It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.