(August 1, 2023) Though artists are certainly grateful to fans and fellow musicians for supporting them through solid career journeys, occasionally sometimes a significant leap of faith is necessary to further their voice into a different arena.
Gregory Hutchinson's reputation as a noted jazz drummer/percussionist has grown through his acoustic work with modern jazz trios and quartets plus collaborations with Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall. But there was so much more to offer the industry from this Brooklyn-born, Rome, Italy native with a childhood rich in musical roots from Caribbean to classic soul. While Hutchinson is about to engage in his biggest leap artistically – as a band leader - his willingness to expand his drumming skills outside the acoustic landscape has already landed opportunities teaming with fellow drummer Karriem Riggins and Ledisi.
(August 1, 2023) Though artists are certainly grateful to fans and fellow musicians for supporting them through solid career journeys, occasionally sometimes a significant leap of faith is necessary to further their voice into a different arena.
Gregory Hutchinson's reputation as a noted jazz drummer/percussionist has grown through his acoustic work with modern jazz trios and quartets plus collaborations with Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall. But there was so much more to offer the industry from this Brooklyn-born, Rome, Italy native with a childhood rich in musical roots from Caribbean to classic soul. While Hutchinson is about to engage in his biggest leap artistically – as a band leader - his willingness to expand his drumming skills outside the acoustic landscape has already landed opportunities teaming with fellow drummer Karriem Riggins and Ledisi.
For the upcoming debut full-length due this fall, Hutchinson dives into a sonic playground housing multi genres, drum programming, rhythmic loops, and complex layers of vocal exuberance. This absorbing canvas entitled DaBang (Warner Music) is partially explained through the debut single, "Straight from the Heart."
In our latest First Listen focus, "New Dawn," involves a deeply personal matter: "'New Dawn represents a beginning of the thought of self and being in touch with the self within you,” states Hutchinson. “But to keep it 100, it's about the inner hustle coming out new, every day in a new way. Yesterday's hustle ain't today's hustle". A banging bass drum, rolling bass lines, shiny piano hooks, and vocalist Liselotte Ostblom’s cool confident strut propel the hustling neo-soul soundtrack. Naturally, Hutchinson's skipping drumlines gracefully moves and grooves with all those innovative ingredients. This brand “New Dawn” never lets up in exploring all of jazz’s newer possibilities. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver
Gregory Hutchinson feat. Liselotte Östblom
"New Dawn"