November 13, 2023
Gregg Hill's Album Technocats on Cold Plunge Records takes the top spot on the Roots Music Report! The dynamic band includes Chris Glassman, on bass trombone, Nathan Borton, on guitar, Michael J. Reed on drums, Xavier Davis, on piano and Javier Enrique, on bass. They showcase a wide range, depth and artistic maturity. Hill’s memorable themes are used as springboards for narratives by each member of this fine group with solos that are always tasteful, lyrical and accessible.
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— October 2023
Presenting Technocats, an emerging and positively swinging new musical ensemble that magnificently showcases the hidden treasures and exceptional talents of Michigan, with strong ties to Michigan State University’s renowned jazz studies program. Led by guitarist Nathan Borton and trombonist Chris Glassman, the group also features Xavier Davis on piano, Michael J. Reed on drums and Javier Enrique on bass. Together, they pay tribute to the compositional prowess of Gregg Hill on their debut album, Technocats: The Music of Gregg Hill, with Hill himself also serving as the project’s co-producer.
Hill’s musical creations are characterized by their imaginative complexities and deep emotional impact, providing an ideal foundation for the exceptional musical interaction that shines prominently across the album’s lively collection of tracks. These compositions span a range of emotions and rhythmic patterns, conjuring a timeless essence reminiscent of jazz from the mid-20th century while seamlessly embracing modern influences. The voyage commences with the enthralling “Come On Down,” selected as our featured Song of the Day, which you can listen to via the player below. The composition establishes a captivating atmosphere and a stylish swagger, enhanced by Glassman’s resonant accentuation and an expertly executed bass solo by Enrique.
Purchase the album on all major music sites and at our online store
Although Detroit has long been recognized as a Midwest epicenter of jazz, from which many legendary players have emerged, the adjacent city of East Lansing, should also be acknowledged for its notable pool of players, many of which have ties in some way to the fantastic jazz studies program at Michigan State University (MSU). All members of “Technocats” have this MSU connection. Composer Gregg Hill, has taken full advantage of this talent proximity by way of his latest album “Technocats”.
This album cements Gregg Hill’s reputation not only as an excellent jazz composer but also as a producer. The variety of rhythmic tunes make the quartet cover many delicious emotional flavors, while grounded firmly in classic straight ahead mid-century jazz styles, it is music designed for contemporary times.
The dynamic “Technocats” band includes Chris Glassman, on bass trombone, Nathan Borton, on guitar, Michael J. Reed on drums, Xavier Davis, on piano and Javier Enrique, on bass. They showcase a wide range, depth and artistic maturity. Hill’s memorable themes are used as springboards for narratives by each member of this fine group with solos that are always tasteful, lyrical and accessible. “Technocats” will have far reaching appeal to jazz fans across the spectrum.
This new and dynamic “Technocats” album features many delicious emotional flavors, while grounded firmly in classic straight ahead mid-century jazz styles, it is music designed for contemporary times. Hill’s memorable themes are used as springboards for narratives by each member of this fine group with solos that are always tasteful, lyrical and accessible. “Technocats” will have far reaching appeal to jazz fans across the spectrum.
To purchase the album visit our Store:
