Hello from the beach!If the weather’s hot, and the water’s warm… better be sure your music matches! Here’s a few selections to take your mind off the thermometer:I’ll be in the studio very very soon…. new music coming before the end of the year….Stay cool!Lisa
Award winning jazz composer/pianist
Hello Hello,
I couldn’t resist sending this shot out after I recovered it from an old email -it’s really my favorite band shot of all times! That’s saxophonist, JD Allen, bassist Larry Grenadier, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and drummer Lewis Nash with me on a rainy day in 2009 in a photo by David Gordon. The adjectives “hard-working” are normally attached to my name, but you can see very clearly we still have time to enjoy ourselves! I loved the “Twilight & Blues” recording sessions at Avatar Studios in NYC- Jeremy and JD were really close friends and very fun and upbeat working together. Lewis is, of course, a legend, and I worked with Larry so long he really did seem like family, and we’re both from California – doesn’t he look like he could be family? (Although it’s JD, who calls me ‘sis’.)
I hope you’re enjoying the beginning of summer – always my favorite time of year – and also my Composing Season – longer days at the piano go perfectly with beach walks and bbq’s if you ask me. Yes, I’ve got plenty of new music I’m developing and then will record later this summer, for a late 2018 release, and with new bandmates this time around, so I’m excited about what we’ll create. I, (very surprisingly), got a vacay this year – in Japan – and enjoyed the time off, the culture and, everywhere I went there, the jazz. Jazz in coffee shops, vintage clothes shops or teeny smoke-filled bars – sounding like the soundtrack to my life. A great trip!
Still thankful for all the support from everywhere for our album, ESCAPISM – which is still doing well at radio, and currently on one radio chart. I’m hoping that everyone is playing “Hot Summer Samba!”
I’m also working to set up the tour dates for next year – although the tickets are not on sale, or the listings up yet, here are a few dates, so mark your calendars:
JANUARY 5TH/SATURDAY ZIPPER HALL/ downtown Los Angeles/ 8 PM – THIS IS MY BIRTHDAY!
JANUARY 10th/THURSDAY WEILL HALL/CARNEGIE HALL/NYC 8 PM
FEBRUARY 28TH/THURSDAY/SAN FRANCISCO JAZZ/8 PM
APRIL 2/TUESDAY/BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS/CHICAGO/ 6PM
Handy Links:
Enjoy these long days – hopefully filled with sunshine!
Lisa
Hello, Hello,
Hi there!
Hope you had a nice holiday weekend – I feasted and, I suppose, “Fested” a bit with family and friends but still got a big hike in the Santa Monica Mountains near my home. Our Spring weather in Cali has been a bit erratic, but we are getting some nice days after all the rain we had. Hope your spring is coming too!
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!
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
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
REVIEWS FOR DAY & NIGHT
“Closer scrutiny reveals nuanced choices and numerous unforeseen turns. Hilton, brings an emotionalism to the simplest of ideas; layers of depth appear when you least expect them.” Jeff Tamarkin/Jazz times
“Fantastic new CD from Lisa Hilton. We love her version of Begin The Beguine.” Toppy Jazz the #1 Jazz Station in Europe
“Solo piano jazz…Lisa Hilton owns this art brilliantly: soft touch, subtle but very significant swing, a deep connection with the jazz tradition – especially the blues, and of course the beauty of the execution.” Jazz Quad/Russia
“Hilton returns with another CD of solo piano, beautifully played and expressive.” KZSU Radio Stanford University (#1 at the station)
“DAY & NIGHT allows Lisa Hilton to keep the spotlight for herself, and she does not disappoint. She has both the chops and soul to keep you constantly listening.” Straight No Chaser podcast with Jeffrey Siegel
“Rich with elegance and energy, with refined technique, performances & interesting improvisation.”AnimaJxpazz/Italy
“Hilton’s playing is quite lovely.” WTJU Radio
“Beautiful – I’m speechless 5 out of 5 rating.” SURF RADIO/Hossegor, France
“One of my favorite jazz pianists .” FM URIQUIZA/Argentina
“Lovely Album! Some of the nicest music I’ve heard this year.” WUNH Radio
“Hilton’s DAY& NIGHT is her best yet!” 2MAXFM/AUSTRALIA
“Straight and well produced solo piano – well done!” WRTC/Bob Parzych
“I have liked this artist for many years.” CKIA/Quebec City/Canada
“Hilton’s music is sweet and full of life.” REFRESHING JAZZ/Hilo, Hawaii
“This is an impressive album… Hilton paints her masterpieces with deeply felt inspiration. The intensity of Hilton’s playing is unfettered, through wave after wave of inspired improvisation, where the feverish worship at the altar of originality is one extraordinary composition after another. The composers’ universe is at its most expansive in the profoundly beautiful and brooding masterpiece, “Dark Sky Day” which seems to meld surrealism and impressionism in the grand manner”. JazzdaGama/Canada
“I was immediately drawn into her music…it takes my breath away.” WGCH
“Virtuosity aside, Hilton has imbued this succession of songs with so much nuance – so much extension of incredibly phrased riffs – that take the song places that are so unexpected that one is left simply awestruck by beauty”. Hugh Carson/KVNF Radio
“Outstanding. The recording and production of the album is impeccable.” No Solo Jazz/Madrid
“Beautiful sound.” BondiFM NSW/Australia
“Keyboard lust.” MGZC Radio/NC
“Expressive, eloquent compositions and playing.” Will Call/Grey Lock Glass Podcast Network
“Fully in command of her instrument, Hilton’s touch varies from deep, plush velvet to electrifying extended trills, glissandos and runs up and down the piano keyboard.” MainlyPiano.com
For Day & Night “Hilton delves into her own songbook to create more deep brush strokes to her works of art. A strong addition to an already impressive portfolio.” George Harris/JazzWeekly
“Hilton is in player in full command of the nuances of her instrument. Her approach is a welcome expanse of dynamics and tonal variety, enabling her to conjure aural pictures in a richly impressionistic style. Memorably resonant original songs…. and gentle pianistic fireworks.” Hothouse Jazz Guide
“Letting it fly with just jazz piano ace Lisa Hilton front & center, you really get a chance to appreciate what a killer pianist she is. Tasty stuff that’s a great centerpiece to her canon.” Midwest Record
“Pure passion in motion…” Jazz Quarterly: Taste Maker Honors
“Day & Night just might be the tonic this nation needs…everyday treasures that strengthen the bonds of humankind are intrinsic to the music of Lisa Hilton.” AXS/Carol Banks Weber
“Hilton explores music as art and paints texture and color through jazz approaches. Her originals convey many of Cole Porter’s compositional integrity.” Sounds of Timeless Jazz/Paula Edelstein
“Soothing yet complex solo piano music. Hilton likes to spread the wealth of her influences from the simplistic one-note three-times-fast like Count Basie or the meanderings of the complex jazzer Horace Silver.” Classical Lite
“It takes a very talented and confident artist to record a complete album as a soloist. In the spotlight Hilton’s fingers race around the keys, demanding the best from all the notes.” Musical Memoirs Jazz Blog/Dee Dee McNeil
#1 Stanford University KZSU Radio Jazz Chart
SoloPiano.com 2016 Jazz Album of the Year Runner Up
ZMR.com 2017 #6 Radio Chart
WICR #20 Radio Jazz Chart
TOP 22 JAZZWEEK CHART
It’s definitely Spring Time!
In fourth grade I went on a field trip to collect wildflowers and just fell in love with them! So spring time is wildflower time for me: today I headed 2 hours north of Los Angeles to the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve, which I’ve never visited before. What a great spot and a refreshing day. Really fun! You can see more photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisahiltonmusic/
Thank you to everyone who came out to see the performances in NYC, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Now on to CHICAGO CHICAGO CHICAGO: please try and come out APRIL 11TH/TUESDAY AT 5PM AT BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS at 700 S. Wabash Avenue – tickets here: http://chicagolighthouse.org/event/jazznight/ A FUN NIGHT of jazz to support the wonderful work of The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired. It would be so nice to see a big crowd there – please share this event with all your friends and family in Chicago. This is my 7th Jazz Night for the Lighthouse and the last show of this tour – please note the venue change and early start time, (this was originally planned for Green Mill). HOPE TO SEE (AND HEAR!) ALL MY CHICAGO FRIENDS!!
It was nice to listen to the show that I did for STRAIGHT NO CHASER podcast with Jeffrey Siegel – great name for a jazz podcast don’t you agree? If you have a few minutes have a listen: “DAY & NIGHT allows Lisa Hilton to keep the spotlight for herself, and she does not disappoint. She has both the chops and soul to keep you constantly listening”. http://straightnochaserjazz.libsyn.com/podcast-565-a-conversation-with-lisa-hilton
If you’re a piano lover like I am this is a good website and a nice review for DAY & NIGHT: “Fully in command of her instrument, Hilton’s touch varies from deep, plush velvet to electrifying extended trills, glissandos and runs up and down the piano keyboard.” MainlyPiano.com http://mainlypiano.com/reviews/lisa-hilton-day-and-night
If you haven’t already, please check out my two albums from 2016: NOCTURNAL as well as DAY & NIGHT – links below.
Take care and enjoy the spring time!
Lisa
https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Hilton/e/B000AR9EFK
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lisa-hilton/id4614541
https://twitter.com/lisahiltonmusic
https://www.facebook.com/LisaHiltonMusic