Warren Hill

Pop superstar Natasha Bedingfield wasn't the only artist bringing a "Pocketful of Sunshine" to the musical landscape in 2008. Thanks to veteran contemporary jazz saxman Warren Hill's equal penchant for colorful vocals, his vibrant and romantic singalong "Sunshine" is an early highlight on his compelling, melodically and groovingly irresistible Koch Records debut, La Dolce Vita. Hill is so optimistic that even when the clouds come, they pour out a graceful soprano ballad full of balmy acoustic guitar harmony and "Warm Rain." Like a lot of artists in his genre who have been around since NAC became "smooth jazz," Hill's a survivor, heading to smaller labels when the majors jumped ship and always finding a comfortable home to funk around in.

Altoist Warren Hill has never claimed to be a jazz player, but even as a would-be pop star he has an identity problem. Hill comes across as a David Sanborn clone on this popular release and seems to have spent much less time working on developing an individual sound than he has posing for cameras; there are eight photos of Hill included in the booklet of this CD. As far as the music goes, this set of originals is essentially derivative if pleasant background music, suitable for dancing but not for close listening.

There are no surprises on Warren Hill's sixth disc Love Life. Hill is known for his soothing smooth saxophone playing, and while he gets tagged with the lite jazz moniker, he is really more of a pop artist than anything else. Love Life's title track features a horn duet with trumpeter Chris Botti, "Mr. Magic" is a tribute to the late saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., "Why You Gotta Worry" touches on a pop-reggae beat, while "Mambo 2000" covers the Latin base, and rounding out the disc is a cover of the Commodores hit "Easy."

Wes Montgomery - Wes Montgomery & The Billy Taylor Trio (2005) {Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10211 rec 1963, 1965}
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© 1963, 1965, 2005 Lone Hill Jazz | LHJ10211
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz / Guitar

This release includes two rare sessions led by West Montgomery in 1963 and 1965. The first date was recorded in New York on November 1963 and features the solid drumming of Montgomery's long-time contemporary Grady Tate as well as the tasteful playing of pianist Billy Taylor. The group is rounded out by bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Grady Tate with a special guest appearance by jazz vocal giant Joe Williams. An excellent studio date. The second group of tunes was recorded live during his triumphal European tour in the spring of 1965, with a completely different lineup. The four titles include the participation of the exceptional guest star, Clark Terry on trumpet, with accompaniment by a local rhythm section. A must have for all Wes Montgomery fans. Includes booklet with comprehensive liner notes.