Album Review

Gregory Hutchinson released his debut solo album, “Da Bang”

Gregory Hutchinson, the renowned drummer known for his exceptional work alongside jazz legends and contemporary music icons, unveiled his debut solo album, “Da Bang,” via Warner Music. This highly anticipated 15-track release is a testament to Hutchinson’s remarkable journey through music and his unrelenting passion for pushing artistic boundaries.

Gregory Hutchinson’s illustrious career has seen him collaborate with an impressive roster of artists spanning jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and Neo-soul genres. Hutchinson’s versatility knows no bounds, from jazz greats like Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis to modern trailblazers like Common and Karriem Riggins. His rich and diverse musical upbringing, rooted in classic hip-hop, reggae, and soul sounds, has shaped him into a genre-defying musician.

“Da Bang” is more than just an album; it’s a groundbreaking exploration of musical genres, fusing elements of hip-hop, funk, R&B, and Neo-soul into a harmonious symphony. Hutchinson’s virtuosity on the drums and his fearless approach to songwriting shine through in every track.

The album opens with “What’s Best For Us (Feat. PJ),” a silky-smooth Neo-soul masterpiece that effortlessly blends Hutchinson’s signature beats with soulful vocals. This track sets the stage for the following genre-bending journey, inviting listeners to dance, reflect, and celebrate life.

“When They’re Gone” takes a darker turn, combining rugged beats, grimy ambiance, and psychedelic layers of texture and melody. Samora’s emotive reggae and dancehall vocals add depth to this track, inspired by Hutchinson’s personal experiences and the loss of jazz trumpeter Wallace Roney and basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

“We Got Drumz (Feat. Javier Starks & Soweto Kinch)” and “My Turn Now” showcase Hutchinson’s incredible drumming prowess, seamlessly blending modern R&B with jazz influences. These tracks are a testament to his ability to bridge generations and styles with his music.

“Da Bang” boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Karriem Riggins, James Poyser, Ray Angry, Nicholas Payton, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Leona Berlin, Vernon Reid, and Sy Smith. This diverse cast of artists reflects Hutchinson’s far-reaching impact on the music world.

As Gregory Hutchinson steps into the spotlight with “Da Bang,” he embarks on a new musical journey while continuing to leave an indelible mark on the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, Neo-soul, and R&B. With this groundbreaking album, he invites audiences to join him on a thrilling exploration of musical frontiers.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Mt. Kili Mt. Kili delivers quiet power and honest reflection on “The Noticer” (album)

Mt. Kili’s latest album, “The Noticer,” is a warm, contemplative acoustic folk album that finds beauty in the minutiae of life itself, as calm and bare as anyone would call it. Songwriter Rick Sichta of Asheville leads the project with delicate instrumentation and outspoken lyrics, bringing forth an experience that can be both personal and universal.

Recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, the music is refined and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Julian Dreyer and David Glasser. The current lineup still embodies this vision, with Matt Shepard holding down a heavy rhythmic backbone and Laney Barnett’s violin and vocals rounding out the sound, creating emotion.

There is a story and emotion hidden within each track. The EP opens with “Don’t Start a War,” which opens contemplatively, begging for peace rather than war. The title track, “The Noticer,” exudes a sense of awareness and the beauty of watching life unfold. “The Rain Song” features a soothing, near-meditative vibe.

With a hopeful reflection, “The Road Isn’t as Long as It Seems” is about perspective and perseverance. “Her Song” is pretty much a musical love letter, and “Kyle” is defined by its character-driven narrative. With “The Weather Report,” the change of feeling is reflected, while “Scars “ and “Strawberry Fields” hint at memories and softening imagery. “All in Good Time” concludes the record patiently, a soothing sigh of comfort. “The Noticer” is a reflective album with a soft reminder that sometimes the smallest moments mean the most.