Boston, MA (Top40 Charts / Un-Gyve Limited) Reality Check on Un-Gyve Records features ten original tracks by superlative composer, arranger, and trumpeter Greg Hopkins plus a new take on the Rodgers and Hart "Spring is Here". Hear the humility and generosity of these master musicians performing these brilliant compositions, a musical dialogue born of a long-working band that has paid its dues, Reality Check is the real deal.
Six of our premiere jazz players offer up a Reality Check with the unparalleled compositions and arrangements of the great Greg Hopkins "the sound and spirit of a real working band."
An ensemble of the highest order — musicians' musicians — led by trumpeter Greg Hopkins , featuring tenor man Billy Pierce , veteran of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and the Tony Williams Quintet; guitar guru Mick Goodrick , acclaimed for his harmonically intricate accompaniments; drum icon Gary Chaffee whose influence on the contemporary drum scene is told with an excerpt of his student roster, from Vinnie Colaiuta to Joey Kramer ;
Lyle Lovett 's long-time pianist Tim Ray ; and the powerful bassist Dave Zinno .
GREG HOPKINS started in Detroit, making his way around the globe, arranging and performing for our most celebrated musicians from Gillespie and Sinatra to the Supremes; Motown to Symphony Hall. On composing and performing Hopkins says, "After years of doing this, I know what works and what doesn't, but I still experiment. Every piece is a nail biter."
He was writer and arranger for
Buddy Rich and Herb Pomeroy , and more recently for Grammy® winner
Esperanza Spalding , and her "Radio
Music Society" tour.
The track list for Reality Check:
1) 6 on 6
2) The Lost Bagatelles Part I
3) The Lost Bagatelles Part II
4) First Impressions
5)
Spring Is Here (Comp: Rodgers/Hart)
6) Rioja
7) Affogato
8) You Too!!
9) Olive's Branch
10) Tigress
11) Reality Check
REALITY CHECK is available from Amazon, CD BABY, iTunes, Un-Gyve, and record shops.
https://www.un-gyverecords.com
https://www.un-gyve.com
https://www.greghopkins.net
