LISA HILTON

Underground

2011-05-16

Lisa Hilton is a jazz pianist known for more classically-oriented jazz, but not in this set which uses a great trio of musicians as collaborators for a satisfying collection of syncopated pieces, set up by Hilton's expressive playing and punctuated by drums, bass and sax at the right moments. The opening title track is well-named at first--starting quietly and then building to a brash finish. "Boston+Blues" borrows the mood from Gershwin to fine effect. "Jack & Jill" begins like a Randy Newman piece and then bounces along its merry way before returning to the opening theme. "Just a Little Past Midnight" is also well-named, a soft-shoe dance on the keyboards for the wee hours of the morning. An interesting aspect to Hilton's work is the way she lingers on the very high keys--a place she often returns to in these numbers. Cool jazz. 05/11 MJVD J-Instrumental (piano)

Quick Links:

• Lisa Hilton homepage
• Watch Lisa play at the Waldorf Astoria