I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Door Is Open: The Music of Gregg Hill, by Randy Napoleon, and it's quite engaging. Opening with The Lost Tune, a lush melody with a Latin rhythm really is a solid opener. With rich vocals by Aubrey Johnson and well phrased guitar lead by Randy Napoleon, this tune floats. With Rick Roe on piano, Quincy Davis on drums, and Lucas LaFave on bass, sit back and let it flow over you. Light and aiery, Escape to Cat Island has a brisk Latin feel with a real nice trumpet solo by Anthony Stanco. Roe, always on top of things on piano is a key contributor and the slashing cymbal work of Davis and energetic bass lines of Rodney Whitaker really gives this track zip. Napoleon and Johnson work nicely to create a united front on Motel Blues, a slower blues with a samba rhythm, supported by Stanco, Walter Blanding on tenor sax and Andrew Kim on trombone. A real nice bass solo by LaFave leads back to Napoleon on guitar for one of my favorites on the release. The Last Pop Tune has a great walking bass line by LaFave, driving under Napoleon, Johnson and Roe. Very nice. Wrapping the release, is slinky, horn saturated Triple Play. With a tight drum rhythm and nicely interwoven horn, piano, and vocal lines providing a solid blanket for Napoleon on guitar, this is a strong closer.
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