Gregg's latest Book "The Speckled Frog" was just released with 29 new jazz compositions.
The Speckled Frog continues in the musical spirit of the two preceding books of tunes, Moonducks and The Tuning Fork. The first two books, Outrospectives and Spontaneity, contained many tunes that were complex and sometimes technically challenging. The current material leans more to openness and accessibility for players and arrangers alike. As long as the arranger is true to the melody and chord changes, he or she has the freedom to bring in their own palette and put their own stamp on the tunes. This collaborative approach has worked well with the recent material and I hope to continue on that path. In the process, I am still able to create some surprises, detours, interval clashes and time signature shenanigans. That is the joy of writing and why I continue to do it.
Each tune has its own story and springs from different experiences. The Speckled Frog is a journey of the imagination. Sometimes the trip is short. Other time the trip stretches out and goes to multiple destinations. The imagination follows its own course and sets its own boundaries. I hope you enjoy the journey!
- Nov 13, 2023
Updated: Apr 21
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.
Check out the video on Youtube:
Purchase the album at our store:
— 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.
