Ron Horton is one of the most versatile and expressive trumpet players on the scene today, equally adept at swinging hard bop, lyrical ballads, and adventurous modern Jazz. On his latest album, “A Prayer for Andrew”, he pays homage to one of his musical heroes and mentors, the late pianist and composer Andrew Hill. Hill was a visionary artist who created a unique and influential body of work that defied easy categorization, blending elements of blues, bebop, classical, and avant-garde music. Horton had the privilege of playing with Hill for five years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and learned a lot from his musical wisdom and personal integrity.
“A Prayer for Andrew” is a two-disc release on Newvelle Records, a boutique label that specializes in high-quality audiophile recordings. The album features a stellar sextet of musicians who share Horton’s admiration and appreciation for Hill’s music, including the late Frank Kimbrough on piano, Marty Ehrlich and John O’Gallagher on alto saxophones, Marc Mommaas on tenor saxophone, Dean Johnson on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. The album consists of seven Hill compositions and six Horton originals that are inspired by Hill’s style and spirit.
The album showcases the diversity and depth of Hill’s musical legacy, as well as Horton’s creative and respectful interpretations. The opening track, “A Prayer for Andrew”, is a brief but poignant piece by Horton that sets the mood for the album. It is followed by “Erato”, an intense and complex tune that features some intricate ensemble work and dynamic solos. “Venture Inward” is a mysterious and haunting piece that showcases Hill’s use of dissonance and chromaticism, as well as Horton’s expressive flugelhorn tone. “Home” is a warm and lyrical ballad by Horton that reflects his gratitude and affection for Hill. The next track, “Dusk”, is a dark and moody tune by Hill that features some jagged cross-rhythms and dissonant harmonies, creating a sense of tension and drama. “Scrum” is a Horton original that cooks up some sharp and edgy tunes and a bouncy and dark mood, along with some fiery and daring improvisations by the brass and the skins. “Andrew-ology” is another Horton original that pays tribute to Hill’s musical style and spirit. The tune flows slowly along a deep and mysterious river of harmony, with some subtle shifts and variations.
The second disc begins with “ML”, a tune that Hill crafted with some tricky passages that lead to a climactic ending. The tune features Marty Ehrlich’s bass clarinet, adding a rich and deep timbre to the ensemble. “Hill Country” is another Horton original that captures the essence of Hill’s music, with its angular melodies, shifting rhythms, and harmonic twists. “15-8” is a cooker that puts the musicians to the test with its 15/8 meter, as the name implies. The tune showcases the superb interplay and coordination of the sextet, as they navigate the complex and exhilarating tune. In contrast, “Tough Love” is Hill’s barnburner that kicks off with a bass intro and then swings into a fierce and driving beat, with the band hitting hard and crisp on the ensemble passages. “Punch” is Horton’s funky bopper that lays down a jazzy groove with some snappy and offbeat riffs and also features some intriguing shifts in rhythm and harmony that keep the listener engaged. The album closes with “Belleza #1”, a lovely, lyrical piece that showcases the warmth and sensitivity of Horton and Ehrlich, who blend their horns beautifully over Hill’s harmonies.
“A Prayer for Andrew” is a remarkable album that pays tribute to Andrew Hill, an original and visionary jazzman of his time. Ron Horton and his sextet deliver a stunning performance that demonstrates their mastery of Hill’s music, as well as their own musical personalities and voices. The album is a testament to the power and beauty of jazz, and a reminder of the importance of paying tribute to those who have paved the way for the art form. This album is a gem for Jazz lovers and especially to those who are interested in discovering or revisiting the music of Andrew Hill.
Keep listening, keep dreaming, keep swinging!