COINCIDENTAL MOMENT

LISA HILTON / PIANO, IGMAR THOMAS / TRUMPET, RUDY ROYSTON / DRUMS, LUQUES CURTIS / BASS

The Lisa Hilton Quartet Masters the Moment With Their Eloquent New Release: Coincidental Moment

"I love the way jazz tugs at our emotions in a way no other music can: it can calmly seduce your soul or prompt you to dance," states the award-winning composer and acclaimed pianist Lisa Hilton in the liner notes for her latest release, Coincidental Moment (Ruby Slippers Productions 1029), out December 1, 2023. She continues, “The music here reflects the cool energies and history of jazz, but definitely sounds like today.”

The nine original compositions and two cover tunes are laced throughout with rich blue tones augmented by modal flights all shimmering and swinging with Hilton's expressive touch on the piano. Coincidental Moment gracefully shares the spotlight with quartet mates Igmar Thomas on trumpet, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums and percussion.

Royston's drum mastery is evident throughout the album, but his delightful and catchy bongo rhythms are also featured on tracks Jagged Lil' Blues and Blue Tropics. Jazz traditionalists will enjoy the retro vibes of Happily Go Luckily and Anxiety Society with their cool grooves and snappy trumpet improvisations by Thomas. The entire quartet shines on the evocative Spanish-tinged Enigmatic Adventure and infuse Everyday Anthem with a stirring gospel energy. The inclusion of the iconic Miles Davis/Bill Evans track Blue In Green, shows the breadth of this band – Thomas's moody muted tones, contrasting but blending with Hilton's fluid piano, are underscored by Curtis's deep bass timbre and Royston's delicate touch on cymbals. An interesting choice was the inclusion of West Coast, written by singer/composer Lana Del Rey: the quartet easily turns this pop track into a darker and very expressive experience. Curtis is a vital contributor throughout, especially on the trio track Multiple Perspectives, which blends jazz rhythms and classical interludes with agility. Hilton's skill in composing intimate ballads is apparent on the title track - performed as a trio – and on Uncommon Poetry, which closes the album as an eloquent solo piano piece.

Saturated with lush harmonic ideas and brimming with textures and emotions, the album Coincidental Moment is jazz just right for any moment.

About Lisa Kristine Hilton
The music of Lisa Hilton draws on classic American jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, and Count Basie, as well as blues heroes Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. She is a prolific composer who records and performs with many of today's jazz luminaries. Her twenty-eight albums sit regularly at the top of the Jazz Week and other radio/streaming charts for the last two decades, drawing millions of plays on streaming services and appearing regularly as an Amazon #1 New Jazz Release. Hilton has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Smithsonian Institution, UCLA's Royce Theatre, San Francisco Jazz, and Chicago's historic Green Mill. Hilton is also the creator and co-author of the popular children's book If Dinosaurs Were Alive Today (Price Stern Sloan), which she co-wrote with her sister, Sandra L. Kirkpatrick. The book was recently updated and published as a digital version by the same name.

FOR MORE INFO: www.LisaHiltonMusic.com FOLLOW: Lisa Hilton Music on all socials LISTEN: All streaming services

Track List

Anxiety Society
Jagged Lil’ Blues
Happily Go Luckily
Blue Tropics
Blue In Green
Enigmatic Adventure
Multiple Perspectives
West Coast
Coincidental Moment
Everyday Anthem
Uncommon Poetry

Q&A

Q. As someone who now has twenty-seven albums in the U.S. and two in Asia, how does it feel when you finish each new album? Is it just another day for you since you do this every year?

Lisa Hilton: I don't really think about of how many recordings I have unless there's a new one. Creating an album is an enormous amount of work, but I seem to forget that every year until I start listening to tracks and thinking, yikes! But it's a complete passion for me, and so I continue to compose and record every year. When I'm finishing, there is a huge feeling of relief to get back to a simpler life and be able to play the piano without any deadlines. So I feel very happy and extremely relieved when I finish an album! I do have doubter days when I worry: will people like the new music, or I question whether a tune is strong enough, or whether I have highlighted my bandmates well – but I do know those kinds of worries are typical for any musician or producer.

Q. So, it's still a challenge for you?

LH: Definitely! But a challenge drenched in jazz and creativity and magic too – there are always some surprises on every project.

Q. Ok, can you give us an example of what you mean by 'magic'?

LH: Well… I really wanted to record the 1959 tune Blue In Green from the iconic Miles Davis album Kind of Blue, but it seemed a bit daunting or even crazy to reinterpret such a beautiful and renowned jazz classic. It is deceptively simple, but its unique modal harmonic ideas and the mastery of the players on that album made it intimidating to me. I did check with my bandmates ahead of time to see if they were up for it, and everyone was. I was nervous about what we would create in the studio, but as Luques put it, "Blue In Green was magic.” It is such a soulful piece, and Igmar had a completely different interpretation on each take – his skills really showed on that. I loved Rudy's graceful touch on his drum kit, and Luques was creating a real mood – even adding an arco (bowed) bass near the end. We had to play very intuitively together and it worked, creating a remarkable recording moment that did feel like magic. As musicians we live for those times in the studio, and hope listeners feel those moments too.

Q. Tell us more about your bandmates?

LH: I've done quite a few albums with Rudy, several with Luques, and two with Igmar now, and it's a great quartet. I have so much faith and admiration for them as musicians and improvisers, and they are also super nice people. We really enjoy playing together.

Q. When you were composing did you write to a concept for Coincidental Moment?

LH: I let my creativity lead, and as the compositions formed, a concept began to appear as if the music was telling me what it wanted to communicate. Coincidence is defined by Oxford Languages as: “A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.” I've been thinking how everyone shared a mash of emotions and experiences these last three years with the COVID-19 pandemic. I view this period as a Coincidental Moment in time that our world shared, so the album is a collection of emotional points that we have all touched recently – from anxiety to happiness to unique, or enigmatic adventures. It will be interesting to see how this time will change us as a culture. Not many events have had such a significant effect on our planet and humanity, as the last three years have. As a composer, I want to share these moments with listeners.

Q. Interesting! Do you have any favorite tracks when you finish an album?

LH: The compositions all feel very personal - almost like friends to me. In addition, since there are so many hours that you put into any album, I just am not going to work on anything I don't really love, right? That said, I think Anxiety Society and Jagged Lil' Blues are my favorites, as well as Blue In Green. I also want to give a shout-out to West Coast, because I really like what we did as a band on that tune. Although I prefer to compose over arranging music by other artists, I do choose to support the talents of other women who are composers. West Coast was written by Elizabeth Grant, who performs as Lana Del Rey, (co - written with Rick Nowels). I enjoyed delving into her harmonic palette from the 2014 album Ultraviolence. With songs like Summertime Sadness, she seems to me to be a modern version of a blues singer.

Q. It looks like you've got a tour planned for Spring 2024. Can you tell us about that too?

LH: We had a terrific tour in early 2020 - all our shows were very well received, and we had a lot of fun. We are back touring, looking forward to seeing everyone again, and are excited to have Igmar with us.

FOR MORE INFO: www.LisaHiltonMusic.com FOLLOW: Lisa Hilton Music on all socials LISTEN: All streaming services

#1 AMAZON NEW RELEASE

PRESS

#1 Amazon New Release/Cool Jazz

#8 Jazz Week Chart

#10 Best Selling Cool Jazz Albums Amazon.com

Marlbrook Album of the Week / UK

Ten Albums You Should Know – Jazziz Magazine December 2023

Best Bets – Cultural Attache

Night Train Top 40 – June 2024

Reviews for Coincidental Moment featuring Lisa Hilton, Igmar Thomas, Luques Curtis & Rudy Royston

“Coincidental Moment is stunning, stellar, extraordinary and unique. Flat out incredible sound, tastefully, artfully and brilliantly done.” KVNF Radio

“We find ourselves privileged to listen to Hilton’s music… her innate sense of blues and structure is undeniable.” All About Jazz

“Lisa Hilton is an extraordinary pianist. Her resonant percussive style is strikingly reminiscent and evocative of the great Harlem stride pianists, but listeners soon find themselves led into a world all her own, adorned by flights of eloquent melodic lines. Hilton is also a fine composer and can paint sonic pictures and draw powerful piano sketches.” HotHouse Jazz

“Laced throughout with rich blue tones augmented by modal flights. Showcasing Hilton’s expressive touch on the piano, the album also spotlights her chemistry with her quartet mates…” Jazziz Magazine

“Unapologetically bluesy, pianist Lisa Hilton balances feel-good grooves with introspective and atmospheric compositions….infectious.” New York City Jazz Record

“I love the softness oh her touch at the piano, and the reflective quality of her music. I very much enjoyed her current release.” Talk About Jazz Podcast with Doug Hall

“A truly talented pianist and composer. Do yourself a favor and check out this album.” Cultural Attaché

“Lisa Hilton and her quartet, featuring Rudy Royston (drums), Luques Curtis (bass) and Igmar Thomas (trumpet), enthusiastically embrace the moment with a vibrant new jazz vibe offering that will inspire, uplift and motivate many. Rich in contemporary harmonies, glorious spaces and unique compositions, the Hilton radiates listeners with a sun-bleached sound.” Windout Magazine/Italy

“Variety and quality to the fore as usual from Lisa Hilton.” World of Jazz Podcast

“Pianist Lisa Hilton is back with another strong recording…” Modern Drummer

"As always, a good album by Lisa Hilton…always fine and clever songs. We have all of Lisa's albums.” Toppy Jazz/Netherlands

“Sounds like Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis in a blender with a pinch of Jobim…” Malibu Times

“Lush harmonic ideas and brimming with textures and emotions…” Broadway World

“Finger poppin’!” Jazz Weekly

“Hilton displays her keyboard wizardry… Coincidental Moment adds to Lisa Hilton’s musical resume another solid recording in a career of self-defined, continual, and alluring art.” ChicagoJazz.com

“An inventive jazz quartet album… I found myself drawn to Thomas’ muted trumpet work, which seemed to reflect Davis’ take on “Blue in Green” without imitating it. I particularly enjoy Thomas’ rhetoric of understatement, which brings impeccable clarity to the improvisations.” The Rehearsal Studio

“A quite nice piano-quartet album.” Music Meter/Netherlands

“Lisa Hilton is a talented California based artist…” Neon Jazz Podcast

“Coincidental Moment adds another gem to Hilton’s robust catalog…” Making A Scene

“ Lisa Hilton is a good pianist.” Spectrum Culture

“Excellent music.” ECMA Radio/Austria

“Atmospherically empowered…evocative…soulful swing….unadulterated elegance.” 6 Degrees Entertainment

“Nice traditional jazz sounds with good variety in the songs.” KBOO Radio/OR

“Fabulous release.” Radio Cardiff/Wales

“Lisa Hilton never disappoints. Love the record. Tastefully done.” Whistle FM

“Very nice as always.” CHLY/Canada

“A cool evocative soundtrack…” Outsight Radio/MI

“Melodic grace to everything the band turns its hands to. Hilton’s way with a neat riff and catchy hook are well supported.” Marlbrook Album of the Week/UK

“I found myself drawn to Igmar Thomas’ muted trumpet work, which seemed to reflect Davis’ take on “Blue in Green” without imitating it. I particularly enjoy Thomas’ rhetoric of understatement, which brings impeccable clarity to the improvisations he injects into the album’s tracks.” The Rehearsal Studio

“A lovely album.” Radio Z/Germany

“Cool!” Radio Muzkom/Russia

“Anxiety Society: Tight, bright and bouncy. Love it!” KKUP/CA

“Nice…” KPOV/OR

“Unadulterated elegance.” Ghost Canyon

“I particularly enjoy Igmar Thomas’ rhetoric of understatement, which brings impeccable clarity to the improvisations she injects into the album’s tracks.” The Rehearsal Studio

“Nice work again- we love Lisa Hilton.” Pacific Jazz

“Lisa Hilton & Company impress with a new LP … a welcome offering.” Phil’s Picks

“WFWM loves Lisa Hilton!” WFWM Radio/MD

“This is also a record I will enjoy listening to just for pleasure.” WVKR/NY

“Great jazz” CKSJ Radio/Canada

“Lisa Hilton is back with another strong outing!!” CJSR Radio/Canada

“I always enjoy airing recordings from Lisa Hilton-great tunes and excellent performances!” WUWF/FL

"The new recording project of the pianist and composer Lisa Hilton confirms the skills that the artist has always been able to express with her professionalism and her interpretative skills. The recording project is also enriched by the interesting and significant performances of her bandmates. A record that deserves careful listening.” Anima Jazz/Italy

“Magic” Totally Wired Radio/UK

“Sounds great!” CKIA Radio/Canada

“Nice to hear a trumpet with the trio sound Lisa has perfected..” JazzRadioDC

“Just perfect for the syndicated Just Jazz show.” Just Jazz/New Zealand

“Great music!” Radio Rick/Netherlands

“Nice one, Lisa. Very enjoyable.” 2RRR FM/Australia

“Love Lisa's stuff!” Aiding & Abetting blog/MD

“A lovely release.” Radio Lotte FM/Germany

“That's jazz as we like it!” Radio Arc en Ciel/France

"A new Lisa Hilton album is always a pleasure and Coincidental Moment is no exception. Fantastic writing, recording and production from a great band of musicians.” SINE FM UK

“I love Lisa Hilton!” KMUZ Radio/OR

“Great sound.” CFUZ Radio/Canada

“Good tracks.” Urban Jazz Radio/UK

“Lisa's music never fails to excite & uplift your musical soul” Radio Regent/Canada

“Good stuff from Lisa and her band.” WXTS/PA

“Fantastic winter warmer!” Wayout Radio/UK

“Great and natural performances…A real treat.” IMC Radio/MS

“Traditional jazz with piano, horns & drums. What else do you need? Good stuff !” Music Guroo

“I LOVE THIS ALBUM!” Acxit Radio/Canada

“Lisa Hilton just always grooves. Love it!” The Hills FM/UK

“Always a treat with Lisa Hilton.” Radio 90 FM/Netherlands

“Tasty! Lisa never disappoints.” CIWS Radio/Canada