Hot off the release of his first recording in fifteen years, nearly 80-year-old tenorman Buck Hill celebrates in home territory at Blues Alley (Washington, DC) with a one-night stand on August 21^st. With tone and authority recalling the days of Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young as well as the bop innovations of Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane, Hill’s return to active playing has been met with great enthusiasm.

Blues Alley is certainly Hill’s home turf. Having lived his entire life in the nation’s capital, Hill’s been playing hot and boppin’ straight-ahead jazz for over six decades. A graduate of DC’s Armstrong High School, Roger “Buck” Hill counted among his classmates Charlie Rouse and Jimmy Cobb. But unlike these future stars, he stayed in the DC area where he was a US postal employee for 40 years, never letting go of his horn and becoming a well-known musician despite his lack of touring. He became a favorite of Sonny Stitt and later fellow DC-ite Shirley Horn, and mentor to drummer Billy Hart. Relax (Severn Records) features two members of his working ensemble, Hammond B-3 specialist John Ozment and drummer Jerry Jones, along with guitarist Paul Pieper. All will be on hand to help Hill celebrate at Blues Alley.

Sit Back and Relax!

Relax features 4 of Buck Hill’s compositions and three from Miles Davis, along with a balladic reading of the classic “Old Folks.” Hill displays his writing skills up front with back-to-back swingers. He opens the set with “RH Blues,” a rollicking tour de force featuring sparkling guitar from Pieper that digs deep into Hill’s simple melodic line and rolling fury from Ozment’s organ. Hill trades off with Jones, the latter offering a counter rhythm that drives it all to the finish. The title track’s simple introductory lines lead into Hill’s funky melody over well-placed whines from Ozment. It’s all indeed very relaxing… nothing hurried or antsy. Ozment particularly makes this one sing with some lovely cascading runs. Hill has a cool but vibrant tone that slices through air like a knife sliding through chilled butter—silky with just a bit of resistance. The end voiced shout “Relax!” adds a nice touch. Hill’s “Little Bossa,” first recorded 25 years earlier, is a swinging bit of Brazil led by the saxman’s repetitive, engaging melody. It sounds like a horn duet as Pieper shadows Hill. Jones’ percussion moves it all along rhythmically while Ozment and Pieper show some nice improv turns before the composer takes it back and dances all the way home. The set closes with a final offering from Hill, “Sad Ones,” a softly rendered ballad showcasing Hill’s warmly impassioned feel and tone, all enhanced by some shimmering waves of cymbals and the B-3’s subtle sonics. Ozment takes this leisurely approach into his solo, but the centerpiece is Hill’s exquisite horn.

No stranger to Miles Davis’ repertoire, Hill accompanied Shirley Horn on her I Remember Miles recording. The three Davis compositions here are included in sequence, starting with “Flamenco Sketches.” After a nice give and take between Hill and Pieper, Hill explores from the bottom up while Pieper’s chords and Ozment’s sustained tones resonant around the melody. Jones’ tingling cymbals and subtle snare rolls gently ease the piece forward with the slightest hint of Latin in the air, and Hill has the last caress. “Prancing” starts with a sassy conversation between Hill and Pieper. Hill takes over as the piece grows into an infectious blues. Ozment—known more as a pianist—proves he has the heart and soul for blues organ and can also play a swinging walking bassline. Charlie Parker played “Milestone” on tenor with Miles, the first of two that Davis recorded under this title. The ensemble runs through the head, tightly weaving together, Hill and Pieper conjuring Miles and Parker before Buck takes off down bebop memory lane. Pieper returns the message before guitar and horn gather again.

“Old Folks” was a favorite of Charlie Parker in the 50s, and Hill gives it the solid ballad treatment enhanced by Ozment’s soft and lyrical organ chimes. Hill’s tone here has a bit of nasal grit, yet seductively melodic throughout and the pace a luxurious stroll. Pieper has his say but the message is delivered most convincingly by Hill himself, as is true throughout this highly enjoyable album.

At 80, Buck is hardly over the Hill. Hear for yourself, in the DC area live at Blues Alley on Monday, August 21^st, or in the comfort of your private listening environment on the deliciously laid back, Relax.

Blues Alley is located at 1073 Wisconsin Av NW near the heart of Georgetown in Washington, DC; www.bluesalley.com

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites