Rich Hill and the Charles Perkins Quintet

Pianist-vocalist Rich Hill has a personal sound steeped in the rich jazz, blues and gospel traditions of his Kansas City hometown. His keyboard style is grounded in the long tradition of jazz piano from ragtime to stride, bebop and modern jazz. Depending on the song, he might play something that sounds like Fats Waller, then something with a kind of Bill Evans or Chick Corea feel, followed by a tune suggesting Ray Charles’ blues-tinged earthiness. His success entertaining audiences with his keyboard and vocal talents while maintaining a certain standard of artistry is a notable accomplishment proven by continued demand for bookings.

“Charles Perkins’ alto sax has soared since standing out in the 1980s’ New Breed Orchestra. Whether quoting, note for note, a Charlie Parker solo or rapidly weaving in and out of his own smartly conceived, complex lines, Perkins has always been worth seeking out. Then there’s Gerald Spaits, a musician whom other musicians seek out. You might find the versatile bassist backing Marilyn Maye, Karrin Allyson or the Trumpet Summit, or filling in with the People’s Liberation Big Band.” – Larry Kopitnik, The Pitch