Jazz Impressions

I should stop being so surprised every time Lisa Hilton pumps out another awesome album every eight months or so. American Impressions is her fourteenth album and possibly her best work to date.

She is certainly the most active female jazz pianist in the business, but she may also be the best. Female jazz artists have a history of getting overlooked by the jazz community, and her work deserves much greater attention.

The album is filled with catchy tunes like “Too Hot,” and “Underground,” but Hilton takes her music to a different level with the song Waterfall. With this song, Hilton has established herself as a truly unique jazz artist with her own style. It’s a soul piano piece that plays like an acid trip. Hilton lures you in with soft, peaceful melodies before erupting into a passionate frenzy of chords, only to fade off into tranquility just as she began. Hilton touches your soul, leaving you begging for more.

Let’s not forget the top-notch musicians who accompany her on this album. Larry Grenadier, who has played with Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny and Paul Motian, provides solid bass support, J.D. Allen on saxophone and drummer Nasheet Waits brings his own creativity to the quartet.

The music video for “Waterfall” is Lisa’s first, directed by amateur filmmaker James Grant.

Check back frequently to hear my interview with Lisa Hilton.

Petey’s Picks: Waterfall, Underground
Follow this jazz DJ: @Pete_Blanchard