Lisa Hilton - Oasis (CD)

“Oasis is freedom and lyrical art. It overflows with Hilton’s somersaulting narrative, lyricism in every note, turning and churning in on itself — expressed with thought, clarity, and the fusion of movement and texture.” Festival Peak

“Because of her serene manner, glorious stylings and superb leadership skills, this award winner has gained the respect of an array of living legends, and she has worked alongside MANY. It all translates into extraordinary music that is compared to jazz and classical icons. Lisa Hilton is RARE.” Hybrid Jazz

“Reliably exceptional – that is how I would describe Lisa Hilton. … Her composing and performance could be described as existing between impressionism and expressionism, but the one thing all her performances have is a heartbeat. Swinging-ly grounded in the beat she establishes is where Hilton’s charm shines the brightest.” C. Michael Bailey/All About Jazz

ARTIST OF THE MONTH “The new trio brilliantly showcase their collective abilities. OASIS has many merits: Lisa Hilton provides her stunning virtuosity beautifully and exquisitely.” Sounds of Timeless Jazz

“Hilton’s artistry never waivers…” Jazz Times

“Lisa Hilton shows her impressive composing skills as well as ability to create a sonic mood. She’s able to mix classical impressionistic moods a la Debussy, but with a swinging pulse.” Jazz Weekly

“Lazy Daisy has some of the same insouciant spirit as much of Paul Desmond’s 1969 album.” Arts Journal

“Hilton takes it old school with a cool school set…the vibe is low key and the notes get your head bobbing. Mighty chops and good taste…another winner from a winner herself.” Midwest Record

“Hilton shows off her left-handed dexterity, while her right hand improvises brightly. Mark Whitfield Jr., keeps the trap drums strong beneath her up-tempo prowess. Luques Curtis, on bass, locks into the production to bring solid support.” Musical Memoirs

Lisa Hilton / piano
Luques Curtis / bass
Mark Whitfield Jr / drums

Track Listing:

Twists of Fate
Adventure Lands
Oasis
Watercolor World
Fascinating Rhythm/ Gershwin
Vapors & Shadows
Just For Fun
Sunshine States
Lazy Daisy
Sunday Morning
Warm Summer Night

A safe haven is what the acclaimed pianist and award-winning composer Lisa Hilton has created with her new Ruby Slippers Prodctions release, OASIS. Along with her acclaimed trio mates, bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr., they have delivered on that promise with a new album that is at times tender, yet emotionally intelligent, and well-conceived. On OASIS, Hilton notes that the album title refers to her special place of refuge, and relief and knew, while she herself needed an antidote during these tumultuous times, others were seeking their own safe haven as well. The opening track, "Twists of Fate" surprises the senses with its cool laid back vibe laced with an energy related to the electricity of Thelonious Monk and Count Basie’s best excursions in bop with Hilton leaving plenty of aural room and Curtis and Whitfield laying down some incredibly arresting rhythms. Then the trio segues into the Horace Silver influenced, "Adventure Lands". Compositions like the title track, "Oasis", "Watercolor World" and "Sunday Morning" showcase the trio’s collective ability to coalesce around an ethereal or, conversely, ecstatic moods; at times with washes of free jazz and cascading notes fluttering with joy. The classic George Gershwin tune, "Fascinating Rhythm" now travels in some new directions with the supple grooves of Curtis and Whitfield as well as yielding the melody under Hilton’s supple touch, and is a good companion to Hilton’s "Vapors & Shadows" as well as the lively "Just for Fun". "Lazy Daisy" is a slow blues for a sunny afternoon, though here with an impish “twist” mixing bluesy tones against the baby-steps of innocent melodic ideas. Latin rhythms weave in and out of Hilton’s compositions, and here are showcased on the fast paced "Sunshine States". "Warm Summer Night" ends the album in a solo piano version awash in Americana.

Cover photo by Aaron Regan.