Relax is the long-awaited CD from Roger “Buck” Hill. Here Buck performs three Miles Davis tunes, the standard “Old Folks” and several originals. Recorded with no overdubs, the sound is full, relaxed and swinging.
“At a time when Bop Brats dominate the headlines and the obits are getting longer and sadder, jazz needs Buck Hill more than ever.” — Bill Shoemaker, Downbeat
“A veritable phenomenon whose robust and swinging approach is absolutely irrepressible.” — Chuck Berg, JazzTimes
“His swinging and brawny horn sounds better than ever now… Hill continues to make a case for himself as one of the most vital tenor men alive.” — Bob Young, Jazz Traditions
“His albums are occasions: never overreaching, they present Mr. Hill as a boss tenor; assertive, fluent in bee-bop and magnanimous.” — The New York Times
LINER NOTES
A product of District of Columbia schools, Buck Hill went to Armstrong High with many of the locals who later became well-known in the music business, i.e., Leo Parker, George Botts, Charlie Rouse, Leo Williams and Jimmy Cobb, to name a few. Buck didn’t travel as much as he could have for a long time, choosing to stay close to home to raise his family. He was a U. S. Postal employee for more than forty years. However he played his horns at any given chance and was well known all over in the music world. Sonny Stitt always looked for Buck whenever he came to town. Buck encouraged drummer Billy Hart; and the late Shirley Horn was very fond of Buck and they often performed and recorded together.
Buck traveled to the North Sea Jazz Festival with all Washington, D.C. personnel. Rubin Brown (piano), Wilbur Little (bass) and Billy Hart (drums). Through out the years I’ve heard Buck in various settings, i.e., from small groups to big bands. As an ever reaching artist Buck has come to another milestone !!! with this CD. He has added the organ along with guitar and drums. Two members are from his regular group – Jon Ozment, who is on the organ and Jerry Jones on drums. In addition Paul Pieper is on guitar for this setting. With this combination Buck is touching all bases. The sound is full, relaxed and swinging. — Jamal Mohamed
Buck Hill would like to thank David Earl for giving an old man a record, John Ozment and Paul Pieper for their great playing, and Jerry Jones for bringing new material and inspiration to the project.
Jerry Jones thanks the creator for the abilities, David Earl for seeing the vision and Buck Hill for the opportunity to work by his side. Special thanks to Jamal Mohamed for writing the liner notes.
MUSICIANS
Buck Hill: Tenor Sax
John Ozment: Hammond A100
Paul Pieper: Guitar
Jerry Jones: Drums
Steve Cyphers and Buck Hill: Voices on “Relax”
CREDITS
Produced by Jerry Jones And Buck Hill
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Severn Sound Studio, Severn, MD
Engineered by David Earl and Eric Lemley
Graphic Design by Al Brandtner, Brandtner Design, Chicago, IL
Photography by Jude Finnell and David Earl