Andrew Hill
Andrew Hill has been an underrated composer and overlooked pianist since
the '60s. His unpredictable tempo changes, finely constructed melodies and
shifting meters are the mark of his musical sophistication and expertise.
Mr. Hill has also successfully incorporated Caribbean and Haitian rhythmic
and melodic elements into his work.
Born in Chicago on June 30, 1937, Andrew Hill began playing the piano at
age 13. He studied with the classical composer Paul Hindemith and
throughout the 1950s freelanced in jazz and R&B settings in Chicago.
Accordingly, as a teenager, he played with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and
Johnny Griffin.
In 1961 Hill moved to New York and became Dinah Washington's accompanist.
After a stint with Rahsaan Roland Kirk in 1962, he has mostly worked as a
leader. Hill's long prized and critically acclaimed Blue Note albums from
the mid-60s have been re-issued in a Mosaic box set and re-issued
individually by Blue Note.
In the late 60s, Hill turned to education, teaching in both colleges and
public schools. He has recorded less frequently during the past couple of
decades yet remains a very respected and admired, uncompromising Jazz
performer with his own singular musical vision.
