Two bands, a trio and a quartet, interpret the compositions of Gregg Hill. Guitarist Randy Napoleon takes time away from Freddie Cole to team with Paul Keller/b, Randy Gelispie/dr and Rick Roe to play some classy melodies like “The Lost Time” and show his Herb Ellis influence on a graceful “Pointe Being”. The concert recording has Gelispie’s cymbals guiding “Ray-Dias” and Roe gentle on “Portrait of the Artist”.
The Trio lead by pianist Bill Heid keeps the rhythm team together for his own “Live” recording, getting bluesy on the shuffling “Out Here On The Highway” and going from mellow to hard drive on the post bopper “Dirge”. Keller lopes and solos on “Common Ground” and the three get kinetic on “The Lost Tune”. Impressive pen and performance.