reviews

Hilliard Greene "Alone"

"Hearing this album, we can all say we could just never have imagined the bass as a solo instrument that is wholly absorbing and wholly capable with sounds that show the artist knows jazz, classical, South American, and yes, even some colors of the Japanese koto. We can say he has reinvented the bass as a solo instrument. Hill takes center stage as a first class artist, Alone." James Forte - Wildflower Publishers

"OK, an unaccompanied solo in a tune is one thing. A whole concert - well, that's something else entirely. The thing is, Greene can keep the listener interested - very interested - for upwards of an hour, all by himself. His new album, ''Alone,'' is a riveting hour-plus of material, mostly originals, that stand up well as melodic compositions played with passionate dedication. There is a wide range of styles and forms, and there is no risk of boredom among the eight tunes." Steve Greenlee - Boston Globe

Todd Horton "Seasons"

"Todd Horton is a versatile musician and trumpet player. He has gone on to record with a disparate group of artists from the Spin Doctors and Ani Difranco, to Buddy Miles and the African Blue Note. Horton has also been involved in the production of such singers as Deanna Kirk, Chris Barron and, recent Grammy star, Norah Jones. He has been a fixture in New York City where he has performed regularly with his trio and quartet. Seasons is Horton’s current release. It is his second overall release for his very own, Soulsearch label. His music is a comfortable mix of jazz, rock, funk and a touch of that ethereal and typical sound that comes from such labels like ECM. All compositions were written by Horton. The opening track, “Tosca,” quietly introduces the album. Horton plays a muted horn over splashes of guitar chords. Drummer, Aaron Comess, formerly of the Spin Doctors, keeps a steady and light beat. Comess helps to pick things up when he and bassist, Tim Givens, introduce a funky backbeat in “Pre-Op.” Guitarist Rob Reich’s energized playing helps to keep things rocking. His guitar solo is imaginative and clever. The quiet and brooding “Quest” with the delicate horn work by Horton could easily fit into a film-noir soundtrack. The title track “Seasons” plays and feels like a fresh summer breeze. Overall, Horton is a first when it comes to creating moods and grooves. The album seems to be evenly divided between the quietly evocative to the outright funky. It seems like a strange combination but anyone can find something to like in each track. Horton is a fine musician and with Seasons, he has put together a nice effort." Philip Wong - JazzReview.com