Michael Dease’s Big Band—The Sleeper: The Music of Gregg Hill

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Cold Plunge Records releases “The Sleeper” on October 30, 2026, bringing together acclaimed trombonist and bandleader Michael Dease, composer Gregg Hill, and an outstanding ensemble of jazz artists. Featuring legendary trumpeter Dr. Eddie Henderson and acclaimed clarinetist Virginia MacDonald, the album presents ten Hill compositions interpreted through ten arrangements by leading jazz arrangers.

Recorded May 18–19, 2025, at Troubadour Recording Studio in Lansing, Michigan, the session showcases the depth and versatility of Hill’s writing, from the cinematic textures of “La Canción” to the Latin-inflected energy of “Go Figure!” and the playful closing statement, “Jack the Shaker.”

Dease’s powerful trombone and baritone saxophone work anchors a richly colored ensemble featuring celebrated soloists and an exceptional rhythm section. With its dynamic interplay, distinctive arrangements, and spirited improvisation, The Sleeper is a compelling celebration of contemporary big band jazz and creative collaboration.

Album details, personnel, and complete track listing appear below.

1. The Sleeper — 4:40 (Arr. Jason Hainsworth)

2. Aftershock — 7:47 (Arr. Bill Cunliffe Jr.)

3. La Canción — 7:30 (Arr. Altin Sencalar)

4. Betty’s Tune — 6:06 (Arr. David Gibson)

5. Mr. Pea Is Welcomed To The Pod — 11:48 (Arr. Matt White)

6. Go Figure! — 7:36 (Arr. Gina Benalcazar-Lopez)

7. Common Ground — 5:35 (Arr. Jordyn Davis)

8. Quietude — 5:49 (Arr. Helen Sung)

9. Sloe Gin Fizz — 5:41 (Arr. Ben Markley)

10. Jack The Shaker — 7:27 (Arr. Michael Phillip Mossman)

Total playing time: 70:19

[PERSONEL]

SAXOPHONE SECTION

Sharel Cassity: Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute (Solos on 3,4)

Rudresh Mahanthappa: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet (Solos on 5,6)

Jason Hainsworth: Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet (Solos on 8,9)

Kirk MacDonald: Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet (Solo on 3)

Clark Gibson: Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet

TROMBONE SECTION

Michael Dease: Trombone, Baritone Saxophone (Solos on 5,9,10)

Aidan Clark: Trombone

Nanami Haruta: Trombone

Ken Thompkins: Trombone

Pablo Muller Santiago: Bass Trombone

Wycliffe Gordon: Trombone (Solo on 9)

TRUMPET SECTION

Nathanel Williford: Trumpet (Solo on 6)

Reene McGee: Trumpet

Matt White: Trumpet

David Sneider: Trumpet (Solos on 1,8)

RHYTHM SECTION AND SPECIAL GUESTS

Virginia MacDonald: Clarinet

(Solos on 2,7,10)

Dr. Eddie Henderson: Trumpet

(Solos on 2,6,7,10)

Miki Hayama: Piano

Langston Kitchen: Bass

Dr. Colleen Clark: Drums (Solo on 4)

Randy Napoleon: Guitar (Solos on 1,10)

Gwen Dease: Percussion

Kevin Jones: Percussion

Jalen Baker: Vibraphone (Solo on1,6)

Tommy Noble: Flute & Clarinet

Zach Sommerfeld: Guitar (Solo on 4)

Rodney Whitaker: Bass (Solo on 2)

Jack Covert: (featured on 10)

Ben Covert: (featured on 10)

Lois Mummaw: (featured on 10)

Gregg Hill: Composer (featured on 10)

[SAMPLE THE MUSIC]

[COLD PLUNGE RECORDS]

[SHOP]

Released October 30, 2026, on Cold Plunge Records.