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Multichannel Super Audio CD
Hybrid Disc

Sugar Hill
The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

Javon Jackson, David Hazeltine, Tony Reedus, Paul Gill

[SACD333]

  1. Caravan
  2. Warm Valley
  3. In My Solitude
  4. Prelude To A Kiss
  5. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
  6. Chelsea Bridge
  7. In A Mellow Tone
  8. In A Sentimental Mood
  9. Lotus Blossom

Javon Jackson Tenor Saxophone
David Hazeltine Musical Director & Piano
Tony Reedus Drums
Paul Gill Bass
The members of this quartet have played with one another frequently, although, strictly speaking Sugar Hill represents the group's first date together.   Javon Jackson and Tony Reedus played together in Freddy Hubbard's band.   David Hazeltine has played with Jackson and Reedus in various configurations over the years.   Hazeltine and Paul Gill have worked together, although this is the first time all four have played as a unit.

It is a combination that works exceedingly well.   Jackson's big breathy tenor sound evokes the great Ellingtonian Ben Webster, while Reedus and Gill anchor the quartet with a rhythm section one could imagine the Duke urging on with glee.   Hazeltine's delicate soloing and tuneful chording manage to be kind of Dukish without re-sorting to imitation.   It's a delicate balance.

This disc contains three separate versions of the same musical program:
• Direct Stream Digital™ Multi-Channel Suround Sound
• Direct Stream Digital™ 2-Channel Stereo
• CD Standard Stereo


Chesky Records are distributed in Australia by Rockian Trading