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Tim Collins: Castles and Hilltops

By William Grim
November 10, 2011
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This is an excellent album by one of the finest vibraphonists on the scene today. Tim Collins combines the harmonic adventurousness of

Gary Burton

vibraphone
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Burton with a swinging style reminiscent of

Milt Jackson

vibraphone
1923 - 1999

" data-original-title="" title="">Milt Jackson and

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Hutcherson.

Castles and Hilltops consists largely of original compositions that run a wide gamut of styles and expressive content. "Army Brat," a straight-ahead swinger, is reminiscent of the

Modern Jazz Quartet

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Modern Jazz Quartet, when Milt Jackson's vibes would seemingly explode in contrast to

John Lewis

piano
1920 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">John Lewis' astringent piano. "Anchor Song" and "Into the Great Wide Open" are more subdued; the first features an exquisitely impressionistic opening and closing, while the lugubrious opening to the second belies its more volatile conclusion.

The finely-crafted interplay between Collins and pianist

Danny Grissett

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Danny Grissett is one of the hallmarks of this album, and is seen to best effect in "The Tunnel," whose chordal beginning seems to be inspired by

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane's "Giant Steps."

Unfortunately, for those living in the United States, Collins has recently moved to Germany, thus limiting opportunities to hear this master musician in his native country. It is all the more important, therefore, that Collins supplies first-rate albums such as Castles and Hilltops.

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Track Listing

TNT; Pond; Army Brat; The Anchor Song; The Tunnel; From Above; Into the Great Wide Open; The Tunnel (Reprise).

Personnel

Tim Collins

vibraphone

Tim Collins: vibraphone; Danny Grissett: piano; Matt Clohesy: bass; Tommy Crane: drums.

Album information

Title: Castles and Hilltops | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Nineteen-Eight Records

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