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"...one of the truly premier players on his instrument anywhere. His dexterity, fluid ideas and command of a tricky instrument must be recognized as top drawer.
—Jazz Guitar Today
Surrounded by the brilliant musical family who have centered his band for years—bassist Rodney Whitaker, pianist Rick Roe and drummer Quincy Davis—guitarist Randy Napoleon calls back four of his fleet-fingered, virtuoso former guitar students to share the stage and build up something new for this ambitious album, his 10th as a leader. Centered on compositions from the prolific Gregg Hill, along with several of his own, he arranged each for this 5-guitar choir of musicians, all connected through years of Napoleon's mentorship, each fully evolved in their own artistry. Whether adding other-worldly harmonic density, lush string-like backgrounds, subtle counter melodies or cascading rhythmic intrigue, Waking Dream comes across as a one-of-a-kind sonic experience, while still in the mainstream of modern jazz recordings.
"...one of the more admired guitarists today...a superb musician, much sought-after for his idiomatic interpretations." Raul da Gama
Track Listing:
1 Super Moon 7:35
2 The Speckled Frog 8:29
3 Waking Dream 7:05
4 Two Thoughts 7:28
5 Cafe Brasilia 5:31
6 The Singer 5:41
7 52 Pickup 5:27
8 Riverside Blossoms 8:07
9 Jo Jo Jo 7:57
10 Boom Boom 5:45
Compositions by:
Randy Napoleon (1,4,8,10)
Gregg Hill (2,3,5,6,7,9)Performers:
Randy Napoleon - guitar
Luke Sittard - guitar
Chris Minami - guitar
Jocelyn Gould - guitar
Ben Turner - guitar
Rick Roe - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Quincy Davis - drums
GUESTS:
Walter Blanding - tenor saxophone (10)
Michael Dease - trombone (8)
Anthony Stanco - trumpet (2)
Langston Kitchen - bass (6,7)
Michael J. Reed - drums (6,7)
Lynne Brown - guiro (2)Production Info:
Produced by Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon
Engineered, mixed and mastered by Corey DeRushia
at Troubadour Recording Studios, Lansing, MI
Recorded November 18-19, 2024
Cover painting by Fay Kleinman
Photography & cover concept by Lynne Brown
Cover design & layout by John Bishop