Escapism Archives - Lisa Hilton Music

Time for some ESCAPISM, right?

March 14, 2018 by Lisa Hilton

composer, FREE, jazz, lisa hilton, Luques Curtis, piano, Rudy Royston

It’s A L M O S T Spring!

Not quite, but it’s almost here! I know we have needed the rain and cooler weather, but I’m literally thinking about ESCAPISM, (or maybe it’s Spring Breakism), right now! Doesn’t a warm, sandy (dry) spot sound good today? But for now, I’m just about ready to spend time at my beloved piano, thinking about the upcoming nights of ESCAPISM – the performances that is – that are coming up for our release. We are NUMBER 8 on TWO radio charts! YIPPEE! We love that! Please try and come out to one of these last 3 shows – I really can’t promise any sandy beaches, but I definitely can guarantee you a Hot Summer Samba! Come on, you deserve an little ESCAPISM don’t you?

ENJOY A NIGHT OF PURE ESCAPISM:

3/23 RAITT HALL/PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY/ Malibu, CA/ 8PM This is a solo piano show in an intimate space with great acoustics on my “home court” – the first theatre I performed – in so it should be a really nice show. Come early and have a bite or a drink locally at: Ollo, Tradinoi, Taverna Tony, Cafe Habana or Bui Sushi – all close by and delicious. If you can get to the theater before 8:30 you can stop by the very nice Weissman Museum next door too: I’m very excited about this show and would love to say hi to everyone after and you never know who might show up!

4/10 BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS/ 5PM 700 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL This is a fun, casual yearly event to benefit the Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually impaired. And let’s not forget, that we have run into Mr. Buddy himself on more than one occasion there which is always a thrill too! This starts early with jazz vocalist Nikki George, and then I will come on a bit later. It’s over by 8 so there’s still plenty of time to head out after to your next spot, right? A nice club right off Michigan Avenue makes it an easy stop too.

4/12 THE SMITHSONIAN/ Nan McEvoy Auditorium/Museum of American Art, Washington DC 6PM FREE! with Luques Curtis/bass, Rudy Royston/drums I highly recommend this show too – the last of the tour and with an awesome band too! THIS IS COMPLETELY FREE because it’s the Smithsonian, so come on, and come out! Or come for a long weekend as it’s Cherry Blossom Festival time! Come early and enjoy the beauty of our nations capital and the finest museums along with a free show.

Just a couple of great reviews here – we love the encouragement and support! “A Great Escape.” Jazz Weekly “The cure for winter blues.” WDCE Radio “Escapism is a beautiful recording project”. Anima Jazz/Italy “A bit elegant, a bit adventurous, very clear and crisp sound, a good good release”. WUWF/Florida “Lisa Hilton is amazing!” BONDI RADIO FM Australia “Hilton’s music is picturesque and impressionistic…the pianist has excellent technique.” Downbeat “Hilton is a pure original… she has a magical ability to make her piano tell compelling stories. Certainly on Escapism her facility for make her instrument talk and sing and wear its emotions on its proverbial sleeve is immense and you can hear this almost immediately as the recording begins. There is so much drama in her playing that one finds oneself constantly at the edge of the seat… She seems to be able to make her instrument a living, breathing thing. This is an album to die for.” Jazz da Gama/ Canada “Truly unique compositions, flawlessly played. Hilton & company are relentlessly in search of excellence, while achieving it with a frequency that leaves one in jaw-dropping awe.” Hugh Carson, KVNF Radio

Be sure to look for our music on SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC, YOUTUBE, AMAZON or any other source you use for listening at home/work/car or shop @ iTunes: or most online stores. Whenever you can, share the show info with friends, or a YouTube Video or write a nice review on Amazon or follow on the links below – these small acts are very kind and encouraging. Art, culture, music and live music are all important to our community, our country and our world, and your support is always appreciated!

Where ESCAPISM began….

March 13, 2018 by Lisa Hilton

Blog, Escapism, Jazz, Lisa Hilton

jazz, JD Allen, lisa hilton, piano, Rudy Royston

Hello Hello,

I am thrilled at the support this week for our album, ESCAPISM! #8 on the JazzWeek chart (that posted March 8/Women’s Appreciation Day!), and #8 on the ZMR chart too! That is so wonderful! Thank you very much! We are appreciative of this encouraging news. Thank you!

The photo above is of my new studio in the breakfast nook of my new (but vintage) home a short walk from the beach in Malibu, and close by hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains – this is where all the ESCAPISM music was composed and developed from May-August last year. Just before I moved in May, I already had done the little embryos of the tunes, but the actual development of the compositions, and all the coloring, happened in a fairly short time last summer. You can barely make out the iconic shot of Miles Davis on the left in a photo by my friend Ken Franckling, and you can’t quite see another classic shot of Monk at Monterey Jazz fest at the top of the bookshelves, (filled with music books and jazz musician bios). Miles is my muse that represents soul, innovation, and perhaps perseverance. Monk is my muse of hard work (since he’s sweating at the piano), creativity, and someone I consider to be a piano giant. You also can’t quite see photos of me with the classical giants of today: pianists/friends Yuja Wang and Lang Lang. All the books and music books represent the greatest composers in the world from Bach to Bartok to Basie. On the right is a painting by an ex of mine, and 2 black & white photos (nudes) I took in college when I was an art student. It looks a bit messy because it’s a work day and I had just moved in. You can see the ferns and tropical foliage that influenced Hot Summer Samba – originally that tune was going to be a slow blues, but it was a gorgeous summer day, the AC wasn’t working and somehow, the song just moved itself into a hot Latin number! The view that I have in the opposite direction inspired Zero Gravity – just this feeling of summer at it’s best – a floating feeling inspired by palm trees.

Sitting in my new studio, filled with the lightness of summer, I wanted to create music that would lift spirits around the globe – to remember that beauty is still everywhere if only we can remember to look. That by lifting listeners energy maybe we can communicate the strength and goodness that cannot ever be taken from us. This is where the tracks from ESCAPISM were developed. I wanted a way to capture the great energy I was feeling and communicate it to others, so they can feel uplift too and bring that into their lives. It’s just amazing and really cool that so many people have embraced the album. (In fact, I am hoping that ESCAPISM will be the OFFICIAL JAZZ ALBUM of SPRING BREAK this year! Hah!) To me, sitting there at my piano IS Spring Break – it’s ESCAPISM or the ultimate vacay even. I start with a little melody, or perhaps a groove and then add a little bit and a little more, and a few hours later I return from what feels like a visit far, far away – all while sitting with my piano in a breakfast nook! In August I took the music to Avatar studio with my long time friends Gregg August, Rudy Royston and of course JD Allen. I explained each tune and the energy and inspiration and then we recorded – no rehearsal ever – a la Miles Davis. But I’m always a bit nervous – what will they think of these new tunes – my new “babies”? (And I am asking them to play a waltz on Zero Gravity even!) Of course they are professional and won’t comment, but ….?? A recording studio is not the place for indecision or insecurity though, it’s the place for committing to the ideas and creating the leadership to create great music, while hoping for the best. When we where done, what was their favorite piece? Zero Gravity – yep – the waltz!

Thank you for the support and wishing you a great week!

Lisa

OH WHAT WONDERFUL SUPPORT! WE LOVE IT! THANK YOU!

February 20, 2018 by Lisa Hilton

Blog, Escapism, Jazz, Lisa Hilton, piano

composer, jazz, lisa hilton, piano

Thank you, thank you to radio, streaming, music services and playlists everywhere around the world for your support for our album. We love and appreciate your support!

ESCAPISM RADIO REVIEWS

“The stark beauty and flowing movement of the (Mojave Moon video) images could hardly suit the music better.” Nate Chinen/WBGO

MELTDOWN from ESCAPISM was featured December 2017 on the popular State of Jazz Playlist/SPOTIFY

“Hilton is superb as usual. Clear ideas and fine dexterity.” Modern Jazz Today – syndicated

“I have to just say ZERO GRAVITY is just perfect. My favorite tune. I dub it a standard for the new era of jazz”. Todd Steed/WUOT

“Nice beat and beautiful ballads – this is what I like.” Evert Radio /Netherlands/syndicated

“The cure for winter blues.” WDCE/VA

“Truly unique compositions, flawlessly played. Regardless of the tempo, an inherent momentum informs Hilton’s music. Her left -hand has the pounding momentum and synergy of overtones that is so incredible. To say nothing of the right- hand improvising on a theme or taking off into absolutely unexpected and unpredictable places in such a beautiful way. Hilton & company are relentlessly in search of excellence, while achieving it with a frequency that leaves one in jaw-dropping awe.” Hugh “Hurricane” Carson, KVNF

“Escapism is a record that confirms the professional skills of pianist Lisa Hilton, capable of fusing technical skills and poetic sensibility, and succeeding in this way in keeping the listener always involved and attentive. A beautiful recording project”. Anima Jazz/Italy

“What a nice find – really like the sound of this. A bit elegant, a bit adventurous, very clear and crisp sound, good good release”. WUWF/Florida

“Lisa Hilton is amazing!” BONDI RADIO FM Australia

“Peace, tranquillity and upbeat energy are all aspects of ESCAPISM, pianist Lisa Hilton has combined all these elements in her album.She says she wants to provide upliftment and relief – a place where listeners can be energized and rejuvenated – she has achieved that.” 2BACR FM/Sydney, Australia

“HOT SUMMER SAMBA sparkles – her jazz has muscle – an escape indeed!” Jazz & Poetry Radio /France

“What a treat – I’m along for the ride!” CFRU/Canada

“The music really cooks – these tracks are a keeper.” WHCJ/GA

“Nice Work.” Favorite track: TOO HOT WMNF/Florida

“Flowing tones – cool! Gydnia Radio/Poland

“Poetic beauty.” WOJB/Wisconsin

“A good mix of swinging and contemplative stuff.” WXPN/PA

“Always good tunes from Lisa Hilton.” WRTC/Connecticut

“Escapism is a breath of fresh, uplifting, positive air.” WGMC/NY

“A super jazz CD – she’s got rhythm for sure.” WHFC/WI

“Dig that groove- got that classic 60’s jazz feel.” WAIF/Cincinatti/OH

“Very easy to get into and love.” Beehive Candy Radio/UK

“Great album covering many styles.” DJJazzmadass/Frankfurt, Germany

“Hot.” MGZC Radio/North Carolina

“This is music to escape from daily problems. Beautiful piano playing & horn players.” AfterDinnerJazz Playlist

“Good solid jazz”. Cool Jazz 100/GA

“Very good.” CKMN/Canada

“Has a good clean sound.” 3MBR Radio/South Australlia

“I like Lisa Hilton and it’s a pleasure for me to discover this.” CKIA/Canada

“All tracks from ESCAPISM receiving airplay on Jazz Flight.” WQLN/PA

“I’m gonna ‘stay’ with Hilton!” Outasight Radio

“Just a delight to listen to.” MAD FM/New Zealand

“Grooving.” KNDD/Seattle, WA

“Nice & cool.” CKHA/Canada

“Always love Hilton’s excellent sounds. Always great radio play.” WAWL/TN

“A wonderful talent.” CHUO Radio/Canada

“Another beautiful performance by Ms. Hilton.” Radio Video/Belfast, Ireland

“A new & excellent record from one of my favorite jazz pianists!” Urquiza FM/Argentina

“Refreshing to hear REAL musicians doing their things. Very nice.” Tameside Radio/UK

“A great piano player and musician. A very sensitive touch. You feel the emotions of her music. It is an honor for me to play something from this album.” Radio 794/Netherlands

“Lisa does it again with lovely cool classics & swinging interpretations.” Soul & Jazz /UK

“Excellent, feet bmovin’ tunes. That’s real Swing.” ECMA-Radio/Austria

“Superbe.” Radio Krimi/Chamonix, France

“Good!” Radio MUZKOM/Moscow, Russia

“LOVE IT!” All Jazz Radio/South Africa

“Great for our jazz show.” RDU FM/New Zealand

“Another winner from Lisa Hilton.” Aloha Joe/Hawaiian Radio Network

“Love this album.” Aussie Grown Radio/Australia

“Very, very good.” The Network Radio/Italy

“Definitely good and engaging.” Radio Stereo/Italy

“Straight up traditional piano jazz with a master on the keyboard.” WMWM/MA

“Enviable variety of creativity in her albums.” Radio Cazkolik/Turkey

“Bright, energetic, thoughtful.” CILU/Canada

“Love it!!” 94/1fm/Macedonia

“Great jazz for my radio show, congrats on the great music by Lisa Hilton.” CKSJ/ Canada

“Very good album.” Urban Jazz Radio/UK

“Perfect for our Jazz channel.” RadioAvemue.com/Canada

“A superb jazz album, very nice!” Dr. Best at Radio Z 95.8 FM/Germany

“Cool tunes.” BBC Radio Gloucestershire / Global Radio 1 / Energy FM/UK

“Hilton has a fluid and often highly rhythmic style, that reflects both her classical and jazz chops. The variety on this disc reflects Hilton’s reach and command from beautiful ballads to jazzy swing and even a few steps toward the outside, but always fully under her command.” /WTJU/VA

“Nice sounds – I like it.” Radio Waves International/France

“A great album –a pleasure for our listeners.” RADIO RIVE SUD FM 103/Canada

“Great atmosphere!” Radio Bubble/Greece

“PURE BLISS and soothing joy – an album of distinction.” Spellbound Radio/New Zealand

“Groovy, straight ahead jazz – no compromising.” WSJR/PA

“Hilton’s music leads you into the state of Escapism with the joyous warmth of her beautiful composition and wondrous musical interactions with her bandmates -this is must have music.” Jazz Zone/Canada

“Lisa Hilton continues to impress! Mad FM/New Zealand

“Very tasty.” Israel Broadcast Authority

“Dope” Mixify.com

“VERY NICE – a Horace Silver spirit with a touch of Messengers- super cool! Radio Activ/France

“Definitely cool jazz – dig it!” WAIF/OH

“This is really lovely stuff – glad to hear it’s still being done like this.” Something Else Radio/Barcelona, Spain

“Lots of beautiful playing here.” WECI/IN

“Great album.” The Sound Lab/syndicated/UK

“Super.” Locos Por El Jazz Radio/Dominican Republic

“Throughout the album we will navigate the foam of jazz mastered and served with passion. A successful album that will be a milestone in Lisa Hilton’s discography.” Cot Sud 90.3/Paris, France

“BEAUTIFUL.” Radio Reverb/UK

“Excellent playing as always from Lisa Hilton. Good stuff!” Phuture Motion/UK

“Inspired arrangements, subtle yet powerful solos, a variety of moods beautifully expressed, and stunning production.” Groovalizacion / Multicult FM/ Berlin

“I like it…TOO HOT has a good vibe and I like MELTDOWN too.” JazzRadioDC

“Nice sound. Will feature on a future WORLD OF JAZZ podcast.” World of Jazz Podcast/Analogue Trash Radio

“cool.” DJ Purple Rabbit/Phonic 106.8 fm/UK

“Great album – a pleasure for our listeners.” CHAA Radio/Canada

“Nice tracks – a journey in harmonics.” CAMPUS RADIO/France

“Steeped in the classics, but timeless – great sound.” KFAI/MN

“The Album ESCAPISM- it’s just the best ! Every time Hilton brings out a new album the bar is raised another couple of notches. I just love this.” 2Maxfm/Australia

“Rip roaring jazz with cerebral depth. Bridges between spiritual, free and hard bop with the greatest of ease. Superb.” DJ Tomas: Google Music/SF Weekly, ForwardEver

December 1, 2017 by Lisa Hilton

Blog, Escapism, Jazz, Lisa Hilton, twenty first century jazz

composer, Gregg August, jazz, jazz and piano, JD Allen, lisa hilton, piano, Rudy Royston

Composer Lisa Hilton Escapism Album Cover by Justin Bettman

Lisa K. Hilton Photo by Justin Bettman.

Happy Holidays, (or HOLIDAZE as the case may be),

Just in time for the Holidays my CD Escapism releases DECEMBER 1st! Yeah! My 20th release in 20 years! And yes, I do feel a wee bit overworked, but euphoric too. It is my passion, and I always feel extremely grateful when a new one is released – it really does feel a bit like a new child that you hope goes out into the world and makes a difference in others lives. This CD has myself on piano with JD Allen again on tenor sax, Gregg August on bass, Rudy Royston on drums and Terell Stafford on trumpet. Each CD has a different musical theme and ESCAPISM is about dealing with the challenges in life today by savoring the beauty and uplifting moments that are still there around us. You can get an idea of the energy of the music by the track titles: HOT SUMMER SAMBA, MELTDOWN, ANOTHER EVERYDAY ADVENTURE, TOO HOT, ON A CLEAR DAY, MOJAVE MOON, ZERO GRAVITY, ESCAPE VELOCITY BLUES, 29 PALMS, and UTOPIA CORNUCOPIA. Here is the just out video that was filmed in Joshua tree this month called Mojave Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lz8GApePLc Please share the video around!

CDs are available here my website and I also have sheet music and downloads for sale. The CDs are great as hostess gifts, teacher gifts, co-worker or “last minute” gifts. https://lisahiltonmusic.com/shop-1/ Of course you can always buy on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/escapism/id1300363720 or Amazon too: https://www.amazon.com/Escapism-Lisa-Hilton/dp/B075ZB7L5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511235882&sr=8- If you do get the CD and like it, please write a quick review on Amazon to help us out!

It’s still really early but here are a few reviews already out:

“Escapism blows open your mind and ears….this is a hot, happening date that charts a new course for pianist Hilton. Tasty jamming throughout. Well done.” Midwest Record

“Hilton is excitingly edgy during “Another Everyday Adventure” while showing her swinging digits on “Meltdown.” Her compositions are impressive… her own reading of “On A Clear Day,” is wonderfully dreamy. A Great Escape.” Jazz Weekly

“Hilton’s breadth of creativity and range of ideas are astounding as she reveals the virtuosity of her pianism, musicality and artful sound. Lisa Hilton has a lot to say. So listen. And then listen again.” Sounds of Timeless Jazz

“Truly unique compositions, flawlessly played. Regardless of the tempo, an inherent momentum informs Hilton’s music. Her left -hand has the pounding momentum and synergy of overtones that is so incredible. To say nothing of the right- hand improvising on a theme or taking off into absolutely unexpected and unpredictable places in such a beautiful way. Hilton & company are relentlessly in search of excellence, while achieving it with a frequency that leaves one in jaw-dropping awe.” Hugh “Hurricane” Carson, KVNF radio

“Hilton’s approach is fresh and uninhibited, taking musical paths less trodden and using expressive and unique chords.” Dee Dee McNeil/Musical Memoirs Jazz Journal

“A piano that seduces & captivates; a true passion in motion from the exquisite pianist Lisa Hilton.” Actual Jazz/Uruguay

Hoping You a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Lisa
Twitter: @lisahiltonmusic

Instagram.com /LisaHiltonMusic
Facebook:LisaHiltonMusic

ESCAPISM WILL BE OUT DECEMBER 1ST!

November 1, 2017 by Lisa Hilton

Carnegie Hall, Escapism, Gregg August, Horace Silver, J.D. Allen, Jazz, Lisa Hilton, piano, piano jazz, Rudy Royston, Terell Stafford

Enjoy a Night of ESCAPISM!

November 1, 2017 by Lisa Hilton

Carnegie Hall, Escapism, J.D. Allen, Jazz, Luques Curtis, piano, piano jazz, Rudy Royston

Luques Curtis

Q & A with composer/pianist Lisa Hilton on her upcoming release, “Escapism”

September 26, 2017 by Lisa Hilton

Escapism

Q: Escapism, what kind of title is that?

LH: It’s been an incredible year on our planet, hasn’t it? You can’t turn around without another crazy thing happening. I record an album every year and I have never seen so much turmoil as I have in the last eleven months. You can either get stressed and dragged down when you come face to face with the intense struggles happening. Climate, culture, and politics all seem to be in states of disruption! Or, as an artist you can take your inspiration out of that spiral and create light. You’re not going to find peace surfing the news – I wanted to create something of an escape from all that. This album is about focusing on, and savoring, the beauty that still surrounds us. It’s very uplifting and energetic. So to experience the album is actually a form of escapism which I think we all need.

Q: There is a noticeably different sound and energy from your album Nocturnal, what inspired that?

LH: Musically I was ready to try a new palette of ideas and colors. This is my 20th release, and I always have a backlog of ideas I want to explore. I also moved to a new home, and I think I was influenced by the more tropical foliage around me – I think that’s where Hot Summer Samba came from! That feeling of escapism led the energy.

Q: That Hot Summer Samba is a pretty high voltage opener– the band sounds strong on that.

LH: Oh that song was really fun to record! Rudy (Royston/drums) added that cool intro riff after a couple takes that I just loved, and Gregg (August/bass) really went with the bass line I had written; he sounds terrific. Some of the takes were even hotter than the one I eventually chose! My bet is, once we’re in front of an audience, this one is going to be fun and I hope, an audience favorite!

Q: What was it like working with your band again after last year’s solo piano recording, “Day & Night?”

LH: We’re family now, they even call me “Sis.” I’ve recorded seven albums with JD Allen, (tenor sax) – I have always said that I think he is the “Tenor (sax) of our Times” – I love his deep Detroit tone. I’ve toured with Gregg and recorded three times with him – he’s an incredibly well rounded musician as well as having a master’s degree from Julliard. Rudy I’ve toured with and I’ve recorded with twice – is an exceptional all around drummer, and Terell (Stafford/trumpet and flugelhorn), just fits right in – he’s got a huge heart to go along with that huge talent – this is my second recording with him. Everyone in this band is a leader. I am always honored, excited and thankful to be able to work with them and to hear what they will add to my compositions – that’s why recording is one of my favorite things that I do all year. They are remarkable musicians and I get a front row seat to their talents. I love listening to everything we record – there is always an abundance of cool stuff they’ve contributed.

Q: Do you rehearse first? Or just go with it?

LH: I’ve always swung the Miles (Davis) way: I discuss the tune, and what it means to me and the overarching mood and goals that I might have musically, they look over the charts and ask any questions, and then we record. That’s it. I like to do 3-4 takes. I do not believe in the “First Take Fantasy” that many players have because honestly, the first take is not always the best. As a producer, I never overdub, and I never Auto-Tune. If you’re trying to capture emotions, and the ethereal qualities of music, I think that’s the best way. I do create the charts ahead of time that show what the piano is doing, but allow my band mates to do what they do best.

Q: Which musicians fire up your inspiration?

LH: My inspiration can come from anywhere, but I still gravitate to many of our great American composers – I hear references to Miles Davis on my “29 Palms”, Count Basie, and Neal Hefti , (with a bit of Beethoven), on “Escape Velocity Blues”, and that bass line I wrote on “Hot Summer Samba” seems reminiscent of Horace Silver. But frankly, I’m influenced by all kinds of music whether it’s Green Day, The Black Keys or The Chainsmokers even. Our world is not just global now, it’s also poly-genre and multi-generational and our music reflects this vastness of influence.

Q: Your one cover is the Lerner & Lane classic, “On A Clear Day”, why did you chose that one?

LH: My mother. She loved that song, and as a little girl I thought the “Clear Day” was referring to a sunny day with no fog or rain – which I could relate to growing up in a small (often foggy) coastal California town! Now I see the lyrics as having a more spiritual component. To me, it’s about having clarity in your life and urging you to “look around you” at the beauty of nature that will “astound you”, so I felt it fits well for the album. After the extremely busy time I’ve had this summer – moving to a new place and composing/recording – the term “clear day” took on a new meaning as I longed for a lazy day clear of responsibilities! Now that’s the essence of Escapism – having a clear day to do what you please or do nothing have some time to enrich your soul, right?

Q: Hah – yeah, that’s true! What’s up next for you now that the album is finishing?

LH: I’m quite excited to share the new music live. We’re booked into Carnegie Hall, on January 11 with an 8pm show. Hearing the band live – like I have in the studio – play this music with those perfect acoustics and wonderful piano from Steinway, these new compositions will sound amazing! I’m really looking forward to it!