Book Coverage:
The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends and the Artists of Tomorrow (Random House 2010)
by Cicly Janus, Ned Radinsky, Sonny Rollins, Marcus Miller, and Wynton Marsalis
Read about Lisa Hilton and other artists in “The New Face of Jazz”: a book for all those jazz fans who want an in-depth look at who and what is hot on the jazz scene today.
“Lisa Hilton has been compared to some of the best pianists in history, such as Bill Evans and Brad Mehldau…” Cicily Janus
Press Reviews:
Download Lisa Hilton Reviews & Quotes
“Getaway”
“Pianist Lisa Hilton has made an art out of balancing the simple and complex. Her work speaks with extreme clarity and serves as a benchmark for a less-is-more style of piano playing that appeals to a wide swath of listeners, but it isn’t plain-Jane jazz. Hilton has a way of taking a basic idea and stretching its conceptual fabric to the breaking point. Singsong ideals are twisted, contorted and distorted, and rhythmic ideas are pulled out of focus, blurring the firm-time realities that actually exist underneath it all.” Read More – Dan Bilawsky – All About Jazz
“Paring the sound down to a piano trio, full of hitters of course, Hilton and company capture the sound of late 50s piano trios that were finding commercial acceptance just as civil rights jazz was starting to rear it’s head and the musicians wanted to appear relevant without alienating existing fans.” Read More – midwestrecord.com
“Lisa Hilton’s most charming and beguiling CD to date. Fans of Vince Guaraldi, Bud Powell, Mary Lou Williams, Red Garland Joanne Brackeen will appreciate Lisa’s lithe touch, rumbling rhythms, judicious use of the sustain pedal and her humorous quotes.” Read More – Linda Yohn – WEMU
“The mix of late 19th century gently rollicking stride with 21st century energy makes this a wonderful melding of musical worlds. In this day of double fisted block chords, and staying stuck the middle of the piano, Ms Hilton explores both poles with a singularly digital strength that would make you wonder how she’d do with a Dynamometer.” Read More – George W. Harris – jazzweekly.com
“Lisa Hilton is considered one of the most distinctive composers and pianists in jazz today. Trained as a classical pianist but with a degree in art, she has created her evocative, individualistic and impressionistic “sound paintings” for over a decade as a leader.” Read More – All About Jazz
“All you really have to know about pianist Hilton’s 15th and newest disc is that it’s a trio record with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Nasheet Waits (son of the late great Freddie)…” Read More – Jeff Simon / Buffalo News
“From the first fluid moments of this album, I was hooked on the evocative sensations of Hilton’s playing.” - Read More – Dana Wright – Muzikreviews.com
“Getaway is jazz pianist/composer Lisa Hilton’s fifteenth release as a bandleader and her seventeenth album to date (her first two albums were solo piano). Her current trio includes bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Nasheet Waits and, together, the three artists present an impressive selection of instrumentals that are as effortless as they are eclectic.” – Read More – Kathy Parsons – mainlypiano.com
“With her power trio Hilton enthralls listeners…..” Accent on Tampa by Melissa Wolcott Martino
“An entertaining journey…. intriguing, sometimes mesmerizing….” Steve Monroe at JazzAvenues.com
“The interplay between these three virtuoso instrumentalists is impressive….” Music & Media Focus
“Intoxicating…impressive….Hilton always offers at least a few surprises…” Mainly Piano by Kathy Parsons
“A kaleidoscope of color….” MuzikReviews.com by Dana Wright
“American Impressions”
“An incredible offering. One of the years best.” CriticalJazz.com March/20/2012
“American Impressions presents rich slices of uncensored scenery filtered through the mind of a true original at the top of her game”. Dan Bilawsky/All About Jazz, April 2012
Pick of the Week: “Deeply considered, impressionistic compositions.” Don Heckman/International Review of Music
“From a strictly right brain, (pleasure) interpretation, this album is a winner. They pay equal tributes to the legacy of jazz and to the natural progression of musical tastes, all without imitating the past.” J. Cohen/KAMP Radio
“An impressive disc. Hilton displays remarkable creativity”. George Harris/JazzWeekly/ 2012
“Hilton has set her sights on something substantial and evocative.” Mike James/JazzTimes July 2012
“One of the best players in the business, Lisa Hilton captures “American Landscapes” of feeling, sound, sight and touch in such an incredibly straight-ahead and beautiful way. Brilliant!” Hugh Carson/KVN,F March 29,2012
“Cool school. Solid stuff. A well thought out and well played date”. The Midwest Record
“Hilton uses her exemplary pianism and soloing from her band mates.” Sounds of Timeless Jazz/2012
“Hilton not only develops jazz as we expect it, but also ignites flows that we don’t expect. She gives birth to virgin outlooks and lustful rhythms…. the Lioness of Jazz remains untamed”. Karl Stober/EJazzNews, April, 2012
“Lisa Hilton’s playing casts a magical spell over the listener… a timeless treasure.” Riveting Riffs/Canada 2012
“A first-rate jazz quartet disc featuring a truly great band. A moody passacaglia.” Jeff Simon/Buffalo News
“In the galaxy of contemporary jazz piano, one of the brightest stars to shine is Lisa Hilton”. JazzChill.com
“A sonic tribute to the unique sounds of this wonderful country.” The Jazz Messenger/2012
“In one word: GREAT. American Impressions is liked by Dutch listeners.” Rolf Polak, Radio RICK, Netherlands
“With a brilliant set of players in support, her American Impressions certainly stands out”. Blinded by Sound/2012
“Her approach captures America while it is not looking…with artistic sincerity.” C.M. Bailey/AAJ All About Jazz
“With American Impressions Lisa Hilton shows again how talented she can be.” P. Dorban/Radio Ara, Luxembourg
“Rich with soul and loaded with texture.” O’s Place Jazz/2012
“Ms. Hilton’s compositions call to mind impressionist art…they reach you on another level.” WRUV Radio
“Beautiful playing and abstract impressionistic colors.” Jazz & Tzazz/Greece 2012
“Fantastic CD! Elegant compositions that paint startling pictures in a listener’s mind.” Brian Lush/Rockwired
“The musical symmetry and oneness is surreal and full of rhythmic joy. It keeps me smiling.” BubbaJackson/KKJZ
“Ms. Hilton is an impressive musician, as are her colleagues ….a striking recording”. The Borderland/UK 5/2012
“This CD has an unusual concept behind it, and Lisa Hilton has pulled it off.” KenFrankling Jazz Notes, May 2012
“A simple but deep voyage.. A beautiful new traditional jazz release.” The New Thing, Eastside FM/Australia
“Excellent work on a great album with great quality.” Joseph Palmada Verdier/Radio Vilfant, Spain
“Wonderful jazz piano… (she’s) a great creator & player.” Dick Metcalf/Improvisation Nation Magazine
“Hilton touches your soul, leaving you begging for more”. Pete Blanchard/WICB Radio
The Best In Jazz: Top 10 on Jazz Unlimited/ Mark Zaborney/WBGU
“Underground”
Recommended New Release for April: “Underground”:
Lawrence Donohue-Greene, Managing Editor, The New York City Jazz Record (formerly AAJ/NY)
“A master mood – setter and a conceptualist nonpareil”.
Dan Bilawsky/All About Jazz, September 20, 2011
“But how does she sound? Well, she treats most of her chords like big doleful concerns: They can consume, but they almost always demand your deepest investigation, concentration. That’s why their pathos is so strong. In the right hand, Hilton crafts illuminative, seeping melodies. When she wants to, she can coax a sound from the upper-middle register that’s reminiscent of the way Bill Evans used to sound: like he was splitting delicate icicles into pieces, gently, with a flick of the middle finger. Hilton’s newest CD is stacked with some of the world’s greatest musicians, J.D. Allen, Larry Grenadier, Nasheet Waits….”
Capital Bop/ March 24, 2011
“One of the major voices in the modern jazz community. A rarity that she displays a truly original voice.”
George Harris, The Jazz Messenger/June 2011
“Emerging from the “underground”, with a strong new album of compelling originals, “Underground” should expose this talented artist to a whole new audience…Hilton is a strikingly original voice on the piano.”
JazzChicago.net/April 3, 2011
“A masala of Brubeck, Monk and Parker distilled into pure Hilton. A strong influence on jazz culture in the twenty first century”.
July 29/2011 Zone Music Reporter/July 29,2011
“Something new and different that has something going for it other than just being different. Still sort of mainstream but wildly ear opening, Hilton is fully in touch with some universal vibe that lifts this session up and away. Hot stuff.”
Midwest Record/March 17, 2011
“A post-bop feast for the ears.”
The Sun Chronicle/ July 11, 2011
“Pianist/composer Lisa Hilton adds a bit of extra spice on this latest release. Her music, usually flowing like a river, is a bit more like a Class V rapids here, with extra assertion and percussion in the writing and delivery…. Inspired impressionism… an original voice.”
The Jazz Messenger/ March 7, 2011
“For fans of jazz, this is an absolute must.”
Pat Van de Wiele, Keys & Chords/Netherlands
“Hilton, like the best jazz master – puts her ensemble to new and great use as they dismantle the historical precedence of such influences as Bill Evans and John Coltrane. Their new music becomes the final take layered over the past, redirecting the complex touchstones of jazz into the 21st century.”
Paula Edelstein, Sounds of Timeless Jazz/March
“A top notch crew of like-minded musicians. This CD probes and explores, and bears repeated listening.”
Martin Z. Kasdan Jr./ Louisville Music News/ May 2011
“Strongly impressionistic.”
The Borderland/May 2011
“A post bop CD that doesn’t quietly fade into the background”.
NYC Jazz Record June/2011
“Hilton clearly has a musical voice.”
Down Beat, August/2011
Editor’s Pick: Boston Phoenix, May 2011
“Lisa Hilton has topped herself with UNDERGROUND. She’s never played, written or expressed herself better as an artist. This is living adventurous jazz that breathes fresh but at the same time is rooted in the best parts of the past – and always deeply emotive. Surrounded by some of the finest musicians working today, Hilton hits the mark on every cut. She’s joined the ranks of her own contemporary heroes.”
Todd Steed, WUOT/Knoxville
“If jazz is your passion this beautiful CD is for you. The piano keys express adeep warmth, beauty and speak to your soul. Rich melodies and delicate improvisations, Lisa shares her rich musical talent with the world.”
Gabriole Springford, Eagle Eye One Magazine/Canada
“Shimmering and spacious. Hilton easily holds her own and her compositions clearly inspire all concerned. ”
Mike Joyce, JazzTimes/June 2011
“Nuance”
“When I hear Lisa Hilton play, it makes me smile. There is something about her music that is earthly, spontaneous and truly from the heart. I can honestly say her music touches my musical DNA.”
Bubba Jackson/KKJZ Radio, Los Angeles
“One of the few pianists with her own identifiable sound – this is a recording that focuses and captures the exquisite subtleties of life. Her pieces like ‘Stars’ and ‘So This Is Love’ glisten with poise and grace. ‘Meltdown’ and her reading of Monk’s ‘Off Minor’ display her ability to mix solos that exude deeply personal reflection…a lovely album of originals and standards that sets a mood. Pensive and impressionistic.”
George Harris/All About Jazz
“An interesting musical journey for piano ace Hilton… have we got a ‘new’ artist for you. Check it out.”
Chris Spector/The Midwest Record
“It’s magic.”
Diana Nollen/Cedar Rapids Gazette
“Nuance is a tenacious detoxification from the jazz mediocrity. Lisa Hilton has offered the shelves of jazz a carousel of diverse signature sounds.”
Karl Stober/ WaxTrenzz
“Although Lisa Hilton has been compared to some of the best pianists in history, such as Bill Evans and Brad Mehldau, her sound and style are of her own”.
The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look At Today’s Living Legends and the Artists of Tomorrow by Cicily Janus/ Random House
“A deeply expressive style of coaxing sounds from keys and offering rich melodies and improvisations”.
Philip Booth, DownBeat Magazine
“Her crystalline touch goes from the dark and foreboding deep to the celebrative high notes, delivering shadowy reflections along with vivacious joy”.
George Harris, JazzWeekly
“The legacy of pianist Lisa Hilton escalates her degree of prominence in the global jazz hemisphere”.
Karl Stober/ eJazz News
“An impressionist intent on creating and sustaining moods”.
George Kanzler/ All About Jazz/NY
“Hilton’s originality is her strength”.
Brad Walseth/JazzChicago.net
“Twilight & Blues”
“Forget all of the piano sensations that are out there – the best newer voice out there lives in Malibu: Lisa Hilton…..The whole disc has an ambience that draws you in while swinging with emotion. The band shows its chops… thoughtful and well crafted from start to finish, this is a must have for jazz fans.
George Harris/All About Jazz
“A deeply expressive style, appealing impressionism.”
Philip Booth/DownBeat
“A very easy album to get addicted toHilton displays her piano chops with great skill and she has a dream team of sidemen.”
Eric Allen, Jazz Rendezvous/S. Africa
“A stellar lineup…Ms. Hilton demonstrates her maturity as a pianist enough that any listener will appreciate her gift”.
Eric Cohen/WAER Radio, NY
“An indefinable effervescence.”
Brian Lush/Rockwired
“Hilton uses blue notes to create an intimate world of beauty that is true to the artist she is. Hilton’s originality of vision is her strength, and her light touch is as lovely as she is and as addictive as the waves breaking near her Malibu home.”
Brad Walseth/Jazz Chicago.net
“As elegant as she is warm and passionate. Excellently engineered and produced.”
Joe Montague/Riveting Riffs, Canada
“Exciting for the listener… hot stuff”.
Chris Spector/Midwest Record
“Twilight & Blues will delight.”
Kathy Parsons/MainlyPiano.com
“Intense charges of emotion.”
Fanis Kostouros/Mousikes Diadromes, Greece
“A definite West Coast cool vibean impressionist intent on creating and sustaining moods. ”
George Kanzler/All About Jazz NY
“Sunny Day Theory”
“A top notch piano player… Sunny Day Theory is music at its finest.”
All About Jazz
“Feel Good Music”
JazzTimes
“A ray of sunshine in these dark times”
JazzChicago.net
“Diabolically seductive… Ms. Hilton continues to unclog the arteries of jazz”.
Jazz Review.com
“A throbbing undercurrent of West Coast cool ala classic Brubeck/Desmond sides”
Midwest Record
“Ace musicianship”
Rockwired
“Hilton’s virtuosity is absolutely stunning. One of the best recordings of the year”
Sounds of Timeless Jazz
“Her quarter here is Parnassian”
Buffalo News
“There is something quite refreshing about this approach to a modern jazz recording”
NY Jazz Improv
“Sunny Day Theory manipulates the senses and holds sway within any setting”
EJazzNews.com
“Lisa Hilton always delivers with each new release, and ‘Sunny Day Theory’ is no exception”
MainlyPiano.com
“Sunny Day Theory highlights Hilton’s dexterity on the piano with inspired originals and surprising takes on familiar compositions such as Hoagy Carmichael’s ‘Skylark’ and Joni Mitchell’s ‘Ladies of the Canyon’. Backed by ace musicianship from the likes of Lewis Nash (drums), Larry Grenadier (bass), and Brice Winston (tenor sax), Sunny Day Theory is an engaging listen where Hilton’s artistry rings loud and true”.
Brian Lush, RockWired
“La estupenda pianista… magnificas composiciones”.
Roberto Vales Fernandez, A Ultima Fronteira (Spain)
“The New York Sessions”
“Genuine Talent”
Jazziz Magazine
“Exciting and compelling… a virtuoso pianist and a world-cast cast of players”
Edward Blanco, EJazzNews
“Hilton has that certain something that takes her playing to a whole different level. Some of the most dazzling instrumental music to come along in a while. This is a piano player you have to get to know”
Chris Spector, Midwest Record
“An all-star supporting cast”
Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
“Midnight In Manhattan”
“As elegant and refined a collection as you’ll hear anywhere… Ms. Hilton’s own playing, subtle, enchanting, and always impeccable”
Ted Hasiuk, Cafe Jazz/Canada, September 2006
“Sinfully, sultry mix of originals and standards… there is nothing but encores”
Karl Stober, ejazz news, June 2006
“my favorite things”
“Another tasty Collection… quite simply elegant”
Ted Hasiuk, Cafe Jazz/Canada, September 4, 2005
“As stunning as the artist herself… ‘My Favorite Things’ needs to be yours”
Karl Stober, JazzTrenzz, September 2005
“Hilton’s classy, fluid jazz stylings are easy to listen to… ‘my favorite things’ is a most enjoyable album, offering a blend of more serious music and good-time tunes”
Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications
“Lisa Hilton dishes out some classy interpretations… This write was most impressed with Hilton’s original tunes”
Richard Bourcier, JazzReview.com
“As beautiful as she is talented, there is no doubt that this pianist has a gift for jazz”
ThisMonthInMusic.com
“Lisa takes classical jazz tunes and brings them back to life on the piano. This CD will soon become a favorite with jazz lovers”
Leroy Zent, KGPR
“Jazz After Hours”
“Remisiscent of some of Dave Brubeck’s work”
RJ Lannan, The Sounding Board, June 18, 2004
“A vibrant composer and exceptional pianist with the passion and panache few artists capture”
Karl Stober, JazzTrenzz, September 6, 2004
“‘Jazz After Hours’ is a great album for relaxing and reenergizing, a backdrop for an intimate dinner, or even good party music”
Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications, September 2, 2004
“When Lisa tickles the keys in her unique, playful style, you know she’s having fun”
Andy Parrish, WVSU General Manager, September 2005
“In The Mood for Jazz”:
“Lisa has outdone herself with this album… exquisitely setting all the right moods with the help of some very talented musicians. I absolutely LOVE this album”
Eric Cohen, Music Director, WAER, May 2003
“Very rarely does an artist come along with the versatility of moving between such diverse styles as to nail Gershwin’s My Love is Here to Stay’ then Jobim’s Girl From Ipanema, while saving just enough for my favorite, ‘Just For Fun”
Al Santos, WJZW, June 2003
“Remisiscent of some of Dave Brubeck’s work”
RJ Lannan, The Sounding Board, June 18, 2004
“Feeling Good”
“Makes our listeners Feel Good!”
Bruce Pollock, VP/GM, KRQS
“‘Feeling Good’ is captivating”
Rick ODell, Radio Host, WNUA
“I liked what I heard… Great little sax and piano going on”
Mark Sanford, Assistant Program Director, KOAI
“This album will definitely leave you ‘Feeling Good”
Eric Cohen, Music Director, WAER
“Cocktails at Eight…”
“When I happened across ‘Cocktails at Eight’ by Lisa Hilton, my ears did a total double-take. I was immediately captivated by the music, and Lisa had me grooving to her arrangements of both ‘Take Five’ and Echoes of Harlem’. As to her original compositions, ‘Seduction and Waterfall are my favorites, solo piano works that are as poetic as they are infecting. Cocktails at Eight? Why stop there, I could listen to this CD all night.”
David Nevue, solopianoradio.com
“Seduction”
“Exceptional playing style… very enjoyable”
Kathy Parson, mainlypiano.com