For those unaware, recently honored with induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences through his decades-long status as a prolific bassist and preeminent jazz educator, Rodney Whitaker also continues his role as a consummate interpreter of original music, notably through this fruitful association with composer Gregg Hill.

Mosaic: The Music of Gregg Hill is the fourth collaboration between the two, and with his vibrant, working band - featuring vocalist Rockelle Whitaker, along with trumpeter Terell Stafford, saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Rick Roe and drummer Dana Hall - they imbue Hill’s fresh, idiosyncratic compositions with fiery interaction, deep swing, wise decisions, and a forward-thinking sense of adventure.

1. Mosaic (8:21)
2. Unknown Ballad (4:57)
3. Claxilever (5:09)
4. Katie’s Tune (5:44)
5. Moonscape (7:00)
6. Ray-Dias (7:12)
7. Still Life with Tuba (6:15)
8. Sloe Gin Fizz (5:06)
9. Stargazer (7:01)
10. Sunday Special (4:13)

Produced by Gregg Hill and Rodney Whitaker, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Eric Wojahn at Solid Sound Recording Co., Ann Arbor, Michigan, the new recording opens on the stoically grandiose, at first, latterly jubilant and free flowing title track Mosaic and then comes the rhythmic foot tapper, complete with dynamic vocals of Unknown Ballad, the upbeat and perky Claxilever, and both the languishing Katie’s Tune and the all-encompassing Moonscape.

They are all in turn followed seamlessly by the sumptuously-layered Ray-Dias and the luxuriant Still Life with Tuba, and then we get brought forth the swinging Sloe Gin Fizz, the album rounding out on the ornate piano elegance of Stargazer, coming to an all-too-soon close on the jubilant, yet organically restrained Sunday Special.

Performers:
Terell Stafford - trumpet & flugelhorn
Tim Warfield - tenor & soprano saxophone
Rick Roe - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Dana Hall - drums
Rockelle Whitaker - vocals (2,5,7,9)

Internationally renowned bassist and Origin Records recording artist, Rodney Whitaker, currently holds the titles of Professor of Jazz Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University where he has built one of the leading jazz degree programs and performing faculty in the world.

He is considered one of the leading performers and teachers of the jazz double bass in the United States. He is also the Artistic Director of the Michigan State University Professors of Jazz, former Artistic Advisor of Jazz at Wharton Center, Director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Jazz Orchestra and a former member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Whitaker received his first national recognition performing with the Harrison/Blanchard Quintet.

Now based in East Lansing, Whitaker continues to serve many of the talented in the state of Michigan. His legacy of teaching promises to be distinguished with former students currently performing with jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Pat Matheny, The Count Basie Orchestra and Stephon Harris.

Official Purchase Link

www.rodneywhitaker.com