GREGORY HUTCHINSON

KIND OF NOW -THE PULSE OF MILES DAVIS

Warner Music

“Time isn’t the main thing, it’s the only thing,” Miles Davis once said. That double entendre statement is important, whether you take his quote musically or philosophically.  It’s a perfect quote for a drummer like Gregory Hutchinson who is a master timekeeper.

This all-star tribute to Miles Davis is produced under the expert leadership of accomplished drummer, Gregory Hutchinson. Brooklyn born, Hutchinson is a New York resident who celebrates his 55^th birthday on June 16^th.  That’s a master number that spotlights a wonderful year ahead, starting with this spectacular recording.

“This project is not about trying to recreate Miles.  It’s about continuing that conversation he started,” explained Gregory Hutchinson.

“When I think about Miles Davis and the drummers that came through his bands, I’m really thinking about the evolution of the music itself.  Each of those cats represented a different chapter of Miles’s story.  Every one of them changed how we all hear and play this music,” Hutchinson elaborated.

The Hutchinson group opens with the Charlie Parker’s “Ah-Leu-Cha” composition, painting it with a bright new face. After the initial horn introduction, Joe Sanders is given a brief 4-bar solo on double bass, then the piano of Gerald Clayton talks to the drums of Hutchinson, as both improvise and seem to be having a meaningful conversation.  The song develops, handing solo time over to the various players, giving each one time to shine. It’s a sparkling remake of a powerful tune. Ron Blake’s tenor saxophone solo is stellar.

This is followed by “Fran-Dance” a familiar Mile Davis composition where Hutchinson swings and shuffles his way through the arrangement. The arrangement is elevated by the tasty piano of Gerald Clayton and the impressive, power packed double bass lines of Joe Sanders. Clayton starts the tune out rubato and it’s spellbinding. But soon the rhythm kicks in and the trio is fire, burning up the piece with innovation and energy.

Hutchinson has gathered a group of young legends to interpret this project and tribute the legend of Miles Davis during this centennial celebration. They focus on the music of Miles from the late fifties to the late sixties. Ambrose Akinmusire is an original, new voice on trumpet, winning the Downbeat Critic’s Choice on his instrument for eight years in a row. Just listen to his approach on the Miles composition, “Orbits.”

Emmanuel Michael brings his exceptional talent on the guitar to the production, as does Jakob Bro.  Each guitarist has his own style and paints the music with their own unique colors. The saxophone of Ron Blake brings excitement and bebop authenticity to the arrangements.  He spent time, along with Hutchinson, in Roy Hargrove’s band. Gerald Clayton is a Grammy nominated pianist, always bringing a fresh perspective to the music and an innovative approach. Finally Joe Sanders ties it all together with his solid time, harmonic bass lines and he always knows how to let the music breathe.  Sanders locks hands with Gregory Hutchinson to create a cement strong rhythm section.

On “Ellehcern’s Time” Gregory Hutchinson plays solo drums, showing his technique and mastery of his percussive instrument. Ellehcem’s Time

Each Miles Davis song reference, played by this Gregory Hutchinson group, becomes a piece of musical art, framed and finished with improvised beauty, fresh arrangements and a purpose to unite past and present in a union of “Kind of Now.”

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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