Catalyst: The Music Of Gregg Hill
Cold Plunge, 2025
9/10
Listen to Catalyst: The Music Of Gregg Hill
The revered bassist Dave Sharp is in some excellent company for 8 tracks that honor Gregg Hill’s work, and it’s a detailed and timeless effort.
“Traveling With Gregg” opens with Sharp’s strategic bass that complements the mysterious mood which makes great use of Mike List’s percussion, and “Rue de Royal” continues with a rhythmic spirit via Henrik Karapetyan’s meticulous violin and Elden Kelly’s dizzying guitar playing.
“Ducks Night Out” occupies the middle spot and benefits much from the tense violin and Sharp’s agile bass, while “Catalyst” is an upbeat album highlight that’s percussively strong and has Kelly handling bass in a textured and dense climate.
Landing near the end, “Savana” offers an elegant yet exploratory moment of buzzing guitar and meticulous songwriting, and “The Stray Moonduck” exits with Igor Houwat’s glowing oud adding much culture to the detailed finish.
An indeed worldly affair, Sharp and company recruit Eastern ideas, classical influences, global jazz and Flamenco fun to a truly remarkable and memorable listen.
Travels well with: Tim Jago- Time Shift; Rodney Whitaker- Mosaic