Andrew Hill was a unique and wonderful composer/pianist. Andrew attracted the ear of Blue Note head honcho, Alfred Lion when Hill moved to New York in 1963. Hill appeared as a sideman on Hank Mobley's classic "No Room For Squares" date and Mr. Lion immediately signed Andrew to a contract and produced Andrew's first album for Blue Note the now classic "Black Fire". Hill made many records for the label but many were not released as Lion didn't wish to flood the small market. Hill's music is sometimes difficult, quirky and not in the mainstream...in other words, an acquired taste. However when you "get" Andrew's music....one will never forget it! This date was discovered in the vaults of Blue Note and at first deemed unreleaseable but soon after a second listening, Mr. Hill okayed it's release. It became one of the most discussed albums of 2003 and praised by all quarters...fans and critics. The band consists of trumpeters Woody Shaw and Dizzy Reece. Trombonist Julian Priester and French horn virtuoso, Robert Northern plus Howard Johnson on tuba and bass clarinet.The single reed performer is the great Joe Farrell who is heard on tenor and soprano saxophone, alto flute, bass clarinet and English horn. The bassist is Ron Carter and the drummer is the young Lenny White. All the compositions are by Andrew Hill and the date was done in November 1969. Profound and moving music.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related