RANDY NAPOLEON

WAKING DREAM: THE MUSIC OF GREGG HILL & RANDY NAPOLEON

OA2 Records

GUITARS Randy Napoleon, Luke Sittard, Chris Minami, Jocelyn Gould & Ben Turner; RHYTHM: Rick Roe, piano; Rodney Whitaker, bass; Quincy Davis, drums. SPECIAL GUESTS: Walter Blanding, tenor saxophone; Michael Dease, trombone; Anthony Stanco, trumpet; Langston Kitchen, bass; Michael J. Reed, drums; Lynne Brown, guiro.

This is Randy Napoleon’s ninth album release and probably his most unique project.  Napoleon, an incredible jazz guitarist, decided to invite four other guitar players to his studio party. He has written a project using five guitars to celebrate the music of Gregg Hill.

“During the compositional process for this record, I was studying Beethoven and Chopin.  I was particularly interested in how they develop themes and expand form.  Looking at something outside of my usual studies helped me diversify my approach,” Napoleon said.

The opening tune was penned by Randy Napoleon and is titled “Super Moon.”  The harmonics were a little off-putting for me. The guitar parts seem to bump into each other in a dissonant way. When the solos began, I found them much more palatable and in perfect sync with the chord changes.  When bass master Rodney Whitakers steps forward to share his bass solo, it’s pure delight.  Afterwards we are back to the dissonance and the unexpected crash of guitars.  Perhaps Randy Napoleon explained it best when he said in his press package:

“I’m primarily and obsessively a student of straight-ahead jazz, but the only time I want to be put in a box is when I’m dead.  I believe our artistic duty demands a search for new sounds.  Also, I want my music to reflect what it feels like to be living in these times.  We are in an abstract Picasso funhouse of mirrors.  Steven King books feel more real than the daily news,” Napoleon wrote.

I completely agree with him and perhaps that explains his opening tune.  “Super Moon” is a composition that seems to clearly reflect his perspective.

The next track is composed by Gregg Hill and called, “The Speckled Frog.”  It slow-swings its way through my listening room. Special guest Anthony Stanco takes an inventive trumpet solo.  Napoleon’s guitar solo is awesome.  This time Ben Turner joins, on guitar, and the harmonics are lovely.

“Waking Dream” is a beautiful ballad and another Gregg Hill composition.  This is followed by Randy Napoleon’s song, “Two Thoughts.”  I was wondering if I would hear more dissonance, but this time the arrangement features solos by pianist Rick Roe, Quincy Davis on drums and Napoleon on guitar.  It’s a quartet presentation, bass, drums, piano and guitar, and another arrangement that employs a brisk swing tempo.

I enjoyed the guitar harmonics on “Café Brasilia” (written by Hill) and the melody on “The Singer” is quite intoxicating.  On this arrangement, Michael J. Reed is the guest drummer, with Langston Kitchen as guest bassist.  Together, they create a Latin/swing groove that propels this tune forward.  Napoleon and Luke Sittard are featured on guitar solos.

All in all, this album boldly features the compositions of Randy Napoleon and Greg Hill, while incorporating five guitars into the production. With the support of a few of their university mentors, this group of jazz musicians is innovative and exploratory.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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