Press Archives - Lisa Hilton Music

NOCTURNAL REVIEWS so far…..

February 12, 2016 by Lisa Hilton

EARLY REVIEWS FOR NOCTURNAL

“No one plays, writes or puts together a band better than this great, talented lady! NOCTURNAL is another in a growing list of deep excellent works from Hilton.” Russ Davis/Voice of America

“NOCTURNAL is simply phenomenal. The composing and playing on this album is a tour de force. A quantum lead forward outward and upward for Hilton as a composer and she and her band have executed it flawlessly – truly an amazing group producing truly amazing music.. This is the best album I’ve heard in a decade, maybe in two decades. Deserving of record of the year on anyone’s list.” KVNF Radio

“Traditional modern jazz is represented by a contemporary style, and newly recorded by the long-awaited quintet of Lisa Hilton. Antonio Sanchez on drums, in front of JD Allen tenor, along with the wonderful trumpet of Terrell Stafford, mainly original songs with a fresh melodic beauty – her piano it’s great”. HMV.com

“A collection of hard-hitting originals… her strongest outing yet.” George Harris/JazzWeekly

“Lisa Hilton has done a remarkable job.” The New York Jazz City Record

“Lisa Hilton just gets better.” WTJU Radio

“Highly anticipated….” New York Cool

“What a wonderful album.” Exploring Jazz/WUNH

NOCTURNAL…”Speaks subtly of Satie and sublimely of Ellington…. Hilton has put together the right band and chosen the right repertoire to demonstrate her treasure trove of musical influences…..” About.com

“Remarkable emotional depth and clarity from all band members…” World Jazz News

“Hilton’s compositions and melodies bear repeat listening sessions. I found myself returning to this CD several times…” Audiophile Audition

“Composer/pianist/bandleader Lisa Hilton composes distinctive originals that are influenced by a wide swath of music.” Dan Ouellette/Zeal!nyc

“Wow! It’s just great – the best yet!” Pete Hammond/2MAXFM Australia

“Excellent skill in the use of the piano, well constructed compositions, unique musical atmospheres, brilliant improvisation and outstanding melodies: these would be the qualities of the Californian composer and pianist Lisa Hilton. The entire disk provides, as is common in the music of Hilton, countless moments of emotion with the roles of accompanying musicians many times reaching virtuosity. This new album has brought together an impressive and brilliant group of musicians who are no strangers to the music, offering a palette of rhythms and colorful sounds. Once again, the music of Lisa Hilton is a success. Congratulations Ms Hilton!” No Solo Jazz/ Barcelona, Spain

“Poetic original compositions.” AnimaJazz/Pisa, Italy

“What a beautiful set! I love the style. A superb effort!” 2RRR FM Sydney, Australia

Listen/Watch: Soundcloud or YouTube/LisaHiltonMusic www.LisaHiltonMusic.com

Performing at Perkins School for the Blind

November 13, 2015 by Lisa Hilton

Blog, Press

composer, jazz, lisa hilton, Perkins School for the Blind, pianist, piano jazz

Lisa Hilton’s Jazz Rings True for Students Who Are Blind

Renowned composer/pianist pays a visit to Perkins School for the Blind.Watertown, Mass. – It was an unlikely time and place for jazz. Just before noon on a Friday at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts, pianist and composer Lisa Hilton took the stage in Dwight Hall to bring her music to 100 students, staff and guests. Before she began, she did something artists rarely do. She asked her audience to tell her at the end of the one-hour performance which piece would be the favorite. (Click here for short video.) Based in Malibu, California, Hilton had come to Watertown on October 16 following recording sessions in New York City. She debuted new compositions from the upcoming, Nocturnal, which were warmly received, and played several others reflecting nature. Her foremost attention, however, was on the students in the audience. Many were music students that she had met on her prior visits to the school. On this day, she played for them a sweet bluesy jazz number she began composing when she was just a teenager herself.

“When a musician, artist, scientist or any expert meets students where they are,” says Pat McCall, Interim Superintendent at Perkins, “the students respond with enthusiasm. You could hear it in their applause and in the easy way they spoke to Lisa.”

Hilton has a strong bond with young people who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to her numerous trips to Perkins for concerts, collaborations and workshops, she also works with Junior Blind of America in California, the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Berklee College of Music Assistive Music Technology Lab for Blind and Visually Impaired Musicians. She sees her music as a way to connect. “This is a wonderful audience, wonderful school and students,” says Hilton. “I would like to just get the word out …that we need to reach out in our community. I think that so many people would like to make the world a better place… I would suggest maybe look in your own community.”

Having come to jazz in adulthood after studying classical music as a child, Hilton can relate to the young musicians she has met in her travels. “Music for anybody – or any kind of art – is an individual path… it will lead you to interesting places.”

And what were the audience’s favorite numbers at the end of the performance? Shouts went up in favor of every one. When it comes to live music in the middle of the day, everyone wins.

Perkins School for the Blind, founded in 1829 as the first school of its kind in the US, is a multifaceted organization working around the world to prepare children and young adults who are blind with the education, confidence and skills they need to realize their full potential.

Learn more at www.Perkins.org

Q&A with Lisa Hilton on NOCTURNAL out January 22

Lisa Hilton with Antonio Sanchez, J.D. Allen, Terell Stafford & Gregg August (photo: George Brooks)

Q: What is “trans-genre” music? You mention that some of the music on NOCTURNAL is trans-genre.

LH: While I was composing music for NOCTURNAL, there was a media uproar regarding a white woman pretending to be black and a male athlete who transgendered to female. I also saw a comedian in Los Angeles, make us laugh when he noted that soon we’d all be the color of ‘khaki’. These instances show that our world is not as segmented – not as black and white- anymore, and I think music should reflect that. This whole idea that jazz or any genre of music should adhere to strict guidelines is antiquated. We eat food from all different cultures and we should be able to be cross-cultural in our music too, right? Some of the music I composed on NOCTURNAL takes classical ideas, concepts or forms and are then completed with our jazz concepts of improvisation, free jazz, blues, shifting modal key centers, or poly – rhythms.

Q: Why classical – hasn’t that been done?

LH: Throughout history, many jazz composers that I admire have also worked in classical forms: Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, and George Gershwin to name a few icons. I also liked the idea of working on longer, more emotionally driven works – like John Coltrane did on ‘A Love Supreme’. Composers need variety: I’ve got over 200 tracks on iTunes now – I really enjoyed investigating what I liked best about classical vs. jazz.

Q: Any straight ahead jazz on NOCTURNAL?

LH: Of course – I love that too! The title track ‘Nocturnal,’ ‘Whirlwind’, and a cover of (Ann Ronell’s) ‘Willow Weep for Me’ are very traditional, while ‘Seduction’, ‘Desire’, and ‘Symphony of Blues’ are really bluesy. ‘A Spark in the Night’ has a Latin flavor, (that was the band’s favorite track, btw), while ‘Twilight’ and ‘Midnight Stars’ are examples of impressionism. The Pixie’s ‘Where Is My Mind’ is conceptual I’d say, and ‘An August Remembered’ has a tinge of gospel.

Q: Tell us about the band – you added some new players didn’t you?

LH: I explore different ideas in each album – last year’s HORIZONS was inspired by nature, KALEIDOSCOPE dealt with poly-genre ideas. For NOCTURNAL, I was looking for greater emotional depth, with more complex playing on some tunes. I felt I needed really great players, and I was lucky to get them! I have worked with J.D. Allen on tenor sax for several years – I consider his deep Detroit sound to be the ‘Tenor of our Times’. J.D. introduced me to bassist Gregg August, and I’ve toured a little with him and now we’re recording together too. Gregg has an extensive Latin background, is in the Brooklyn Philharmonic, has a masters degree from Julliard, composes, AND is a great jazz bassist – I knew he could handle anything. I hadn’t met Terell Stafford before, but my trumpeter from last year was touring so I reached out to him and he was perfect – what a beautiful tone, and spirit he has. I had met Antonio Sanchez in the past but, as you know, he tours a lot, and we had never played together. Fortunately I still had his email, and he said yes right away. Everyone is aware of what an amazing drummer he is, and how great his score for ‘Birdman’ was, but playing with him really put me on my toes – he creates so much movement in his playing. Everyone was amazing to work with – the skill level was really up there. Terell said after it was an ‘honor to work with such great musicians’ and I felt the same way.

Q: Did you do anything different on the sound?

LH: I love great sound, so I work with the same engineers every year. They are the ‘Unsung Heroes’ in music: James Farber for recording, multi-Grammy winner Al Schmitt, ‘The God of Sound’ (with Steve Genewick) mixes the albums and multi-Grammy winner Gavin Lurssen mastered my first album and we’re still working together! They are my friends and I look forward to seeing them every year.

Q: What do you like to do best – compose, perform, or produce albums?

LH: I like all those hats, and they really all add up to being a better musician – a more whole person. Even the business side helps you understand music. Most musicians you see perform are primarily performers or players that might compose a little. For me I really HAVE to compose – that is my art form.

Q: Speaking of art, you were a college drop – out in music, but got a degree in art instead. How did that effect your career?

LH: I think it had a bigger emotional impact on me – I loved the piano but the institutional education in SF was stifling creatively, so it felt like walking away from my ‘true love.’ Studying art, art history, and being creative based on visual, rather than aural decisions, has turned out to be really helpful. Music is an art form – it’s not physics. I think a lot about the challenges different artists had when I compose too. I think it has helped me immensely to have a background in art.

Q: You perform at venues like Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, but you also have dates at schools for blind students, music stores or clubs – that’s quite a range there.

LH: I think music should be accessible anywhere: not just for those who can pay for pricey tickets. Every performance is a unique – I like to be open to almost anything – in New Zealand I played in a city park outside once. I love it all! I’m excited about debuting the new music for the first time January 17th at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall though – it will be the first performance of “Midnight Sonata” and other compositions: http://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2016/1/17/0200/PM/Lisa-Hilton-and-Friends/

Q: Do you have friends or family that are blind – is that why you go to schools for the blind?

LH: No one in my circle is blind, but I’ve met all kinds of great people who are blind in recent years: lawyers, musicians, and many inspiring individuals. I like to give what I would have liked to have received – growing up in my small town I would have loved to have met a professional musician, but never had that opportunity, so I hope other students enjoy when I visit and perform. I am also aware of a bias today – all musicians play for people who are young or old, black or white, yet few make the effort to reach out to those with disabilities. I think music should be for everyone. Lisa Hilton performs at Perkins School for the Blind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F14YsHvKIK4

Q: Lastly, who are your favorite pianists – who do you listen to?

LH: I try and listen to a wide variety of music: Brad Mehldau or Thelonious Monk for jazz. For classical I listen to Lang Lang and Yuja Wang. For Latin I like Chucho Valdez.

“HORIZONS” Media Reviews

April 8, 2015 by Lisa Hilton

Press

“Hilton is a dynamic soloist who understands form and architecture; the music is artfully constructed but delivers an affecting punch.”
Donald Elfman/The New York Jazz City Record, Dec. 2014

“Lisa Hilton, purely and simply, continues to astound me. Her new CD, Horizons, is beyond belief – some of the music brings tears to my eyes, and isn’t that what it’s all about, evoking emotion? Whether she’s playing with that light and beautiful touch, or with her deep, driving, complex sound, it’s absolutely incredible music and an album well worth your attention.”
KVNF Radio

“Hilton presents her alternately lush and hard-driving post-bop on a winning new release.”
Time Out New York

“Hilton has impeccable taste in sidemen…elegant phrasing…poise and passion.”
Britt Robson/JazzTimes

“Horizons has received stellar reviews because of Hilton’s artfully constructed music and the virtuosity of her award-winning band members. Her piano soundscapes captivate audiences while her stellar interplay with such major jazz and blues accompanists have revealed her depth as a leader.”
AXS.com

“Hilton is excited about communicating through music.”
Hot House Jazz Guide/Jan. 2015

“The essence of HORIZONS is of an intimate yet intense soundscape inspired by the forces of nature. The all star band of trumpet master Sean Jones, the multi-dimensional style of J.D. Allen and the amazing rhythm section of drummer Rudy Royston and bassist Greg August are a thunderclap of deceptively subtle textures… A spatial and expansive release – Hilton is the real deal.”
CriticalJazz

“Destined to be one of the top 10 albums of 2015! It fires on all cylinders.”
Gary Lowe/WUNH Radio

“Pick of the Week.”
Don Heckman/International Review of Music/January 11, 2015

“Hilton is queen of the jazz piano. This is an album you can listen to for hours.” ZoneMusicReporter.com

“HORIZONS, the latest album from Lisa Hilton, is simply more proof that when it comes to jazz piano, she ranks with the best of them. The creative intelligence of her original compositions combines with her sensitive craftsmanship to define the road ahead for post bop jazz. Her music, built upon classical and jazz influences, is both sensuously lyrical and improvisationally rich. It is the kind of music that rewards attention.”
BlogCritics

“Hilton continues to rise up on the scale of musicians deserving of wider recognition.”
KUVO Radio

“A distinctly impressionistic touch…Hilton is making some major waves.”
George Harris/JazzWeekly

“Popular in Japan, from the beautiful American pianist, Lisa Hilton, is the long-awaited new recording HORIZONS…with lush melody & beauty. There is a good feeling naturally expressed and at times, a very delicate melody. Lisa Hilton is unique, and there is a charm to entrance listeners, while retaining a fresh lightness and calm emotional feel: a nice gem.”
Vento Azul//Japan

“This is a winner!! I have to be completely honest with you, the sounds coming from this CD are wonderfully listenable, compelling me to slip my player into repeat.”
WCNI Radio

“Another masterpiece by an artist who continues to compose breathtakingly beautiful songs.”
Riveting Riffs

“Excelente nuevo trabajo de Ms. Hilton.”
Javier Garcia Escamez/No Solo Jazz/Madrid, Spain

“Her quintet (which includes all-stars Sean Jones, JD Allen, Gregg August and Rudy Royston) get every bit of lyricism out of every note”.
Dave Sumner/The Bird is the Worm: New Jazz

“New and Noteworthy.” Macomb Daily/April 2015 “PS… GREAT ALBUM!”
A Taste of Jazz Host Dave Fries/WFIT

“Hilton explores her creative side, but also pays homage to classic jazz.”
Casey Morell/KNPR Radio

“Her music gleams and sparkles on every undulating crystalline note.”
Carol Banks Weber/AXS

“A distinctive and thought provoking composer and pianist.”
Jazz Chill Corner

“For jazz lovers, lovers of piano, and of course, lovers of good music.”
A Ultima Frontiera Radio/Spain

“Hilton is gaining prominence with her album HORIZONS.”
Toppy Jazz Radio/Holland

“Both intellectual and emotional, her sound leaves you fulfilled”.
Virgil Simons/English Radio Barcelona

“Kaleidoscope” Media Reviews

July 12, 2014 by Lisa Hilton

DownBeat Magazine, J.D. Allen, Jazz, Jazz Times, JazzWeek, Larry Grenadier, Lisa Hilton, Marcus Gilmore, piano jazz, Press, twenty first century jazz

Kaleidoscope CD Media Reviews:

Lisa Hilton/piano, J.D. Allen/tenor sax, Larry Grenadier/bass, Marcus Gilmore/drums

“An outstanding collection of tunes… Kaleidoscope is full of great music.” JazzTimes.com

“The sheer beauty of her playing –the rhythmic acuity, those silky lines –“ Down Beat

“Kaleidoscope pulsates with warm sensuous harmonies, originality & swinging brilliance.” San Diego County News

“One of the finest composers working in jazz today.” Ken Frankling/Jazz Notes April 2014

“Under the deft touch and considerable artistic vision of Lisa Hilton, modern and traditional jazz come together as one. Nine of the eleven tunes on Kaleidoscope are originals further solidifying Hilton as a composer of note. Hilton moves effortlessly between classical and jazz. There is a shift, a lyrical and harmonic adjustment within the more traditional ranks of jazz and Lisa Hilton is now leading the charge. A formidable quartet with adventurous original compositions banged out by some of the finest musicians of our time. It doesn’t get much better than this”. Brent Black/Critical Jazz

“Lisa Hilton doesn’t disappoint, delivering a whiz-bang listening experience.” ICON Magazine

“Exceptional artistry.” Jeff Tamarkin/Jazz Times Magazine/May 2014

“Lisa Hilton’s signature style is impressively on display.” George Harris/JazzWeekly

“Lisa Hilton is a jazz musician of incredible sensibility and nuance.” Hugh Carson/KVNF

“One of the few pianists that can meld the hard bop of Horace Silver with the aphoristic impressionism of Bill Evans.” C. Michael Bailey/All About Jazz

“Here is another first rate saxophone/piano conventional quartet, in this case led by the beautiful composer/ pianist Lisa Hilton who’d have trouble these days convening a more impressive quartet of working wonders for her music. One of the most immediately likable of all contemporary jazz composers.” Buffalo News

“LOVE IT! Nice arrangements/feel/music. I really like the composed/impressionistic aspects.” WUOT Radio

“Superb new album by Lisa Hilton.” EJazzNews

“Kaleidoscope is as satisfying a jazz piano record as you’ll find today.” About.com jazz review

“We play a boat-load of Lisa Hilton’s music. Kaleidoscope is generating a ton of buzz.” KSDS

“This is a pianist that gets your attention and keeps it. She plays with a depth of feeling that uses all the colors of her instrument. There are a lot of great jazz pianists, but Lisa Hilton takes a back seat to none of them. Hilton has her own voice and she makes sure it is heard. Kaleidoscope is an album you will want to hear.” World News

“Gorgeous playing, highly impressionistic–every instrumental voice sharing the spotlight.” WTJU Radio

“A true musical Kaleidoscope… artfully composed.” Sounds of Timeless Jazz

“Hilton is more than “rising”, she’s already a jazz star that shines bright in a world where there are far too many pretenders…This CD comes MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” Improvijazzation Nation

“There are a lot of great jazz pianists, but Hilton takes a back seat to none of them.” BlogCritics/Jack Goodstein

“Quite beautiful.” NewsFiber.com

“Incredible sensibility.” WeAreJazz.com

“Grace & expertise.” JazzHistory

“Kaleidoscope is as satisfying a jazz piano record as you’ll find today.”About.com/Jazz

“Passionate and nuanced touch on that keyboard.” Trish Hennessey/Hybrid Jazz

“A Kaleidoscope shifting its colorful pieces to create a new vision….” Black Musicians Magazine

“Wonderful, subterranean, enthralling & beautiful.” Gary Lowe/WUNH Radio

“Fun, power, passion and nuance in a refreshingly clear manner.” Accent on Tampa

“Hilton continues to shine with her abilities to embrace an instrument that has no obvious limits.” SoloPiano.com

“Her playing is dramatic and truly unique, and she is perfectly abetted by her quartet – mates.” PasaTiempo

“Kaleidoscope” Reviews

December 22, 2013 by Lisa Hilton

Press

Kaleidoscope Reviews:Lisa Hilton/piano, J.D. Allen/tenor sax, Larry Grenadier/bass, Marcus Gilmore/drums

“Pianist/composer Lisa Hilton again delivers an outstanding collection of tunes focused on balancing the simple and complex. Kaleidoscope is full of great music; Hilton and Allen speak the same melodic language and Grenadier and Gilmore push and pull the beat in truly interesting way.” H.Allen Williams/JazzTimes

“One of the finest composers working in jazz today.” Ken Frankling/Jazz Notes April 2014

“Under the deft touch and considerable artistic vision of Lisa Hilton, modern and traditional jazz come together as one. The new sound for improvisational music is only enhanced with the prolific rhythm section of bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Marcus Gilmore when you toss in the King of improvisational minimalism in tenor player, J.D. Allen, then things just got serious. Nine of the eleven tunes on Kaleidoscope are originals further solidifying Hilton as a composer of note. In somewhat the same lyric vein as Allen there has been a zen-like less is more quality to Hilton’s work, yet with Allen the harmonics and the lyric flow are more open ended and there is a deceptively subtle sense of urgency smoldering just beneath the surface. Hilton moves effortlessly between classical and jazz….There is a shift, a lyrical and harmonic adjustment within the more traditional ranks of jazz and Lisa Hilton is now leading the charge. A formidable quartet with adventurous original compositions banged out by some of the finest musicians of our time. It doesn’t get much better than this”. Brent Black/Critical Jazz

“Lisa Hilton doesn’t disappoint, delivering a whiz-bang listening experience.” Nick Bewsey/ICON Magazine

“Exceptional artistry.” Jeff Tamarkin/Jazz Times Magazine/May 2014

“Lisa Hilton’s signature style is impressively on display.” George Harris/JazzWeekly

“Lisa Hilton is a jazz musician of incredible sensibility and nuance that, along with a beautifully evocative style of playing, places her at the very top. The track Midnight Mania is insanely great music, one of several by the way, where Hilton and JD are in perfect sync, with bassist Grenadier and drummer Marcus Gilmore pushing the beat in some truly fascinating ways.” Hugh Carson/KVNF

“Here is another first rate saxophone/piano conventional quartet, in this case led by the beautiful composer/pianist Lisa Hilton who’d have trouble these days convening a more impressive quartet of working wonders for her music. One of the most immediately likable of all contemporary jazz composers. She couldn’t be in better company.” Buffalo News

“LOVE IT! Nice arrangements/feel/music. I really like the composed/impressionistic aspects.” Todd Steed/WUOT

“Superb new album by Lisa Hilton.” EJazzNews

“Kaleidoscope is as satisfying a jazz piano record as you’ll find today”.About.com jazz review

“We play a boat-load of Lisa Hilton’s music, & have quite a few fans on our staff. Kaleidoscope is generating a ton of buzz.” Mark DeBoskey/KSDS Radio

“This is a pianist that gets your attention and keeps it. She plays with a depth of feeling that uses all the colors of her instrument. There are a lot of great jazz pianists, but Lisa Hilton takes a back seat to none of them. Hilton has her own voice and she makes sure it is heard. Kaleidoscope is an album you will want to hear.” World News

“Gorgeous playing, highly impressionistic–every instrumental voice sharing the spotlight”. WTJU Jazz

“A true musical Kaleidoscope… artfully composed.” Sounds of Timeless Jazz

“Quite beautiful.” NewsFiber.com

“Kaleidoscope is as satisfying a jazz piano record as you’ll find today.” Michael Verity/About.com/Jazz

“Passionate and nuanced touch on that keyboard.” Trish Hennessey/Hybrid Jazz

“A Kaleidoscope shifting its colorful pieces to create a new vision….” Black Musicians Magazine

“Wonderful, subterranean, enthralling & beautiful.” Gary Lowe/WUNH Radio

“Lisa Hilton continues to shine with her abilities to embrace an instrument that has no obvious limits…her music only gets better.” SoloPiano.com

“Incredible sensibility.” WeAreJazz.com

“Getaway” Reviews

October 17, 2013 by Lisa Hilton

Press

“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

Together with her NYC-based partners of Gregg August/b and Jaimeo Brown/dr, Lisa Hilton delves into compositions that feel like audible paintings… Read More – George W. Harris – Jazz Weekly

Lisa Hilton’s ‘Getaway’ is a superb jazz destination… Read More – Paula Edelstein – Examiner.com

CD Review: Lisa Hilton ‘Getaway’ by Karl Stober | eJazzNews – “Getaway” Deepens the Mystery of Lisa Hilton… Read More – Karl Stober – eJazzNews

Concert Review: Lisa Hilton Trio | Vegas Seven – Lisa Hilton is at her best when she is guiding us down the back roads of our own emotional geography. Sure, she can riff heavy on traditional jazz, swinging with… Read More – Kurt Rice – Vegas Seven

A variety of mood, but unified artfulness… Read More – Martin D. Kazdan, Jr. – Leo Weekly

Su actividad como compositora es imparable… (Lisa Hilton’s activity as a composer is unstoppable…) Read more (in Spanish) – No Solo Smooth Jazz

CD Review: Lisa Hilton “Getaway” | Music Reviews | City Newspaper – It’s become an unusual thing to say in the context of a jazz album, but Lisa Hilton is a great songwriter. There is no doubt that Hilton is a superb jazz pianist… Read More – Ron Netsky – City Newspaper

“American Impressions” Reviews

October 16, 2012 by Lisa Hilton

Press

“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” Reviews

August 15, 2012 by Lisa Hilton

Press

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

The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends and the Artists of Tomorrow

October 18, 2011 by Lisa Hilton

Press

(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

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