Lisa Hilton |
More Than Another Day
Ruby Slipper Productions Offers a Creative and Expansive New Album Teeming With Original Compositions Featuring Rudy Royston and Luques Curtis. More Than Anther Day is the latest jazz release from composer/pianist/producer, Lisa Kristine Hilton.
Hilton and her longstanding band mates: Rudy Royston on drums, and Luques Curtis on bass, as well as the imposing JD Allen on tenor sax, had just finished the first half of their tour for their 2020 album, Chalkboard Destiny, when the corona virus forced a shut - down of the tour, and of course a lockdown in the U.S. Grounded and worried for a relative stuck and sick in Italy, Hilton did what she’s always done: “I have always turned to my creativity in difficult times. I think it’s how I process what is happening in our world.” As for the effects of the lockdown? “I grew up in a small town where it seemed nothing ever happened. Creative projects flourish in “down” times– I think quiet propels creativity.”
More Than Another Day opens up with the title track showcasing the creative range of Hilton and her trio. Seamlessly moving through different rhythmic ideas, genres and eras, Royston and Curtis provide stellar additions to Hilton’s nine compositions and one cover tune. The trio powers through the upbeat and swinging Retro Road Trip. With its groovy riffs, this might just be the feel good track you’ve been waiting for. Secret Beach, Karma Chaos and Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin, all exude refreshing Latin ideas. Blues & Beauty captures the moods we’ve been encountering this year with Hilton’s expressive and bluesy piano, but also surprises the listener with serenity and beauty as well. The ballads, No Sleep Until…, Today I Looked At Love and So This Is Love give the album a rich balance of emotions and harmonic colors as well. If you listen carefully, you can pick up Hilton’s range of style influences – Antonio Carlos Jobim and Count Basie perhaps, but also Bill Evans comes to mind. This is music for today, for this year, and of course, for More Than Another Day.
