Andrew Hill Solo in Baltimore

[LWayne]

My wife and I were fortunate to be able to brave the nasty winter weather and spend the weekend in the Baltimore/ Washington area.

The undisputed highlight was catching Andrew Hill perform a solo piano set at An Die Musik on North Charles Street in Baltimore. As this was my first time at the club, we were both favorably impressed by the refurbished row house that serves as the An Die Musik store, gallery, bar, and club. Such a charming little enterprise with a very enthusiastic and helpful staff. Highly recommended,

The music hall proved to be very quaint and hospitable with comfortable, overstuffed, Victorian-style chairs vs. uncomfortable folding wooden or metal chairs. Andrew took the stage about 8:05 and launched into an epic 30-minute piece that seemed to underscore his classical influences.

Although I did not recognize the titles of any of the tunes played, since I a more familiar with his Blue Note catalogue, this unfamiliarity did not diminish our enjoyment. His playing was spectacular; understated at times, vibrant at other times. Overall, a very worthwhile concert to start the year.

After the set, I learned from my discussions with the promoter that Andrew would be releasing a set of new music on Palmetto sometime this year. The promoter, a friendly Irish chap (did anyone catch his name?) also advised that Andrew was considering another new project on Blue Note as well!

Then highlight of the evening was a chance to meet Andrew personally between sets in the cafe. He seemed very humble, almost timid, but was a delight to engage in conversation. I did not want to monopolize his time in that there were several friends of his waiting and the promoter advised earlier that Andrew had not been feeling well recently.

He did seem sincerely grateful that my wife and I had traveled all the way from Pittsburgh to spend the weekend and watch him play. While he was not certain what his future release schedule will be, he did advise that he was cataloguing quite a few numbers that we wants to put out as recordings in the future, including some trio and solo work.

Altogether an incredible night of music that I will treasure for quite some time to come.

Anyone else see the show? Impressions?

Also, can you help me with the name of the promoter?

I want to thank him.

LWayne

[Rooster_Ties]

  LWayne said:

After the set, I learned from my discussions with the promoter that Andrew would be releasing a set of new music on Palmetto sometime this year. The promoter, a friendly Irish chap (did anyone catch his name?) also advised that Andrew was considering another new project on Blue Note as well!

[Soul Stream]

Sounds great. Hope the comment that he hasn't been feeling well isn't a bad omen.