Lisa Hilton - Chalkboard Destiny (2019)

"WOW! A quantum leap compositionally, as well as the overall aura. Hilton has an absolutely unique and beautiful sound – fast or slow – BRAVO!" - Hugh Carson, KVNF Radio

“My favorite album we’ve worked on, there’s a lot of great music!” - Al Schmitt, Engineer

“We live in an exciting time of constant change…” is the introductory quote from composer and acclaimed pianist Lisa Hilton in the liner notes for her new release Chalkboard Destiny, recorded with jazz luminaries JD Allen on tenor sax, Rudy Royston on drums and Luques Curtis on bass. It’s an appropriate prelude for an album that unfolds with the track "Rush Hour Rhapsody" – quickly exposing the listener to the shimmering energy of Hilton's band.
Hilton conveys that the concept behind Chalkboard Destiny is the idea that our future, our destiny, can be continually reshaped, implying that we are not beholden by history or traditional myths, allowing us a freedom in creation. The title track, "Chalkboard Destiny," easily exhibits this concept with Royston’s rim shots crackling for attention.
There’s also a hard-to-pin-down energy flowing between Allen’s explosive virtuoso displays, the dynamic details of Royston’s accents and the booming lines of Curtis’s bass alongside Hilton’s fluid piano. Allen's solo in the middle of "Sympathy for Blues" is astounding, and along with Curtis's agile bass, Royston's touch and the laid back retro charm of Hilton's piano.
Hilton shows her harmonic and emotional depth with her tender ballad, "Temporary Lullaby," as well as the moving "Waltz From Nowhere." The Joni Mitchell classic "Blue Boy" showcases the compatibility of this group – Allen’s dusky tenor a contrast to his band mates. Tracks "Tropic of Tango," "Myths & Fantasy," and "Adventures & Alibis" all explore Latin rhythms and engaging harmonic ideas as well. "Café au Mojo" is a bright piece where traditional ideas abound. It’s noteworthy that GRAMMY® Award-winning
engineers – Al Schmitt, Gavin Lurssen, Reuben Cohen, Fernando Lodeiro — all contributed to the high quality soundscape.
Read a Q&A with Lisa Hilton to learn more about the album.