Lisa Hilton - Coincidental Moment (2023)

“We find ourselves privileged to listen to Hilton’s music…her innate sense of blues and structure is undeniable.” –All About Jazz

“Flat out incredible sound, tastefully, artfully and brilliantly done.” — KVNF Radio

“I love the way jazz tugs at our emotions in a way no other music can: it can calmly seduce your soul or prompt you to dance,” states the award-winning composer and acclaimed pianist Lisa Hilton in the liner notes for her latest release, Coincidental Moment (Ruby Slippers Productions 1029), out December 1, 2023. “The music here reflects the cool energies and history of jazz, but definitely sounds like today.”

The nine original compositions and two cover tunes are laced throughout with rich blue tones augmented by modal flights all shimmering and swinging with Hilton’s expressive touch on the piano. Coincidental Moment gracefully shares the spotlight with quartet mates Igmar Thomas on trumpet, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums and percussion.

Royston’s drum mastery is evident throughout the album, but his delightful and catchy bongo rhythms are also featured on tracks “Jagged Lil’ Blues” and “Blue Tropics”. Jazz traditionalists will enjoy the retro vibes of “Happily Go Luckily” and “Anxiety Society” with their cool grooves and snappy trumpet improvisations by Thomas. The entire quartet shines on the evocative Spanish-tinged “Enigmatic Adventure” and infuse “Everyday Anthem” with a stirring gospel energy.

The inclusion of the iconic Miles Davis/Bill Evans track “Blue In Green” shows the breadth of this band – Thomas’s moody muted tones, contrasting but blending with Hilton’s fluid piano, are underscored by Curtis’s deep bass timbre and Royston’s delicate touch on cymbals. An interesting choice was the inclusion of “West Coast”, written by singer/composer Lana Del Rey: the quartet easily turns this pop track into a darker and very expressive experience. Curtis is a vital contributor throughout, especially on the trio track “Multiple Perspectives”, which blends jazz rhythms and classical interludes with agility. Hilton’s skill in composing intimate ballads is apparent on the title track - performed as a trio – and on “Uncommon Poetry”, which closes the album as an eloquent solo piano piece.

Saturated with lush harmonic ideas and brimming with textures and emotions, the album Coincidental Moment is jazz just right for any moment.