RODNEY WHITAKER — Oasis : Music Of Gregg Hill (review)

RODNEY WHITAKER — Oasis : Music Of Gregg Hill album cover

Album · 2022 · Hard Bop

4/5 · 2023-05-26
Carmel

Rodney Whitaker's "Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill," a musical canvas colored with bold strokes of intellect, sentiment, and compositional artistry. Whitaker, a beacon of jazz education and an accomplished double bassist, presents us with an inspired interpretation of Hill's compositions, offering listeners an intimate look into the heart and soul of the genre.

Whitaker, a distinguished professor, and director of jazz studies at the Michigan State University College of Music, has solidified his standing as a vanguard in the jazz world. His remarkable journey, from playing with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the Roy Hargrove Quintet to his influential contributions as an educator, reflects the depth of his commitment to this timeless art form.

On "Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill," Whitaker brings together a quintet of renowned jazz virtuosos – Bruce Barth on piano, Terell Stafford on trumpet, Tim Warfield on saxophone, and Dana Hall on drums – to breathe life into Hill's compositions. Each track serves as an auditory feast, boasting stellar solos, fluid textures, dynamic momentum, and an unyielding swing that resonates throughout the album. Rockelle Fortin’s vocals add a lyrical dimension to four tracks, setting the tone with the high-octane opener, "Betty's Tune."

Hill’s compositions and Whitaker's arrangements are intrinsically symbiotic, both contributing to a resounding harmony that makes "Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill" a compelling auditory tapestry. The result is a collection of tracks that not only pay homage to the rich tradition of jazz, but also challenge and expand the genre's boundaries with their innovative approaches and rhythmic experiments.

In the auditory delight of this album, Whitaker is indeed a foundational rock, grounding the music's diverse phases and moods with his firm, rhythmic anchor. From the compelling tempo of "Puppets" and the nuanced playfulness of "The Jazzdiddy Waltz," to the soulful resonance of "Blues for Gregg," each composition comes alive under Whitaker's deft touch and his thoughtful interpretation of Hill's musical vision.

Each of the 10 compositions by Hill on this album are imbued with a distinct sense of dynamism and intrigue, leading listeners on an unpredictable, yet deeply satisfying, sonic journey. Hill's compositions, under Whitaker's interpretation, become a playground for mood swings, wherein each unexpected turn or nuanced variation presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating narrative of the music.

Hill, a prolific composer who only began composing after retiring from a career far from the world of jazz, uses the classic jazz standard as his creative springboard, crafting songs that are not only engaging but also resoundingly memorable.

"Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill" serves as a testament to Whitaker's enduring versatility and deep-rooted connection to the language of jazz. The signature of Hill's composing style lies in his ingenious manipulation of mood and his daring explorations that tells stories, explores emotions, and invites listeners to step into the vibrant world of jazz.