"Hudson City Suite": Birmingham Times Review - Hudson City Records / Hudson City Records

"Hudson City Suite": Birmingham Times Review5 Stars from Birmingham, Alabama

Entertainment
Written by Esther Callens
Thursday, 03 January 2013 14:57

New and currently in retail is a rich new recording offering nine great compositions. Hudson City Suite is the moniker that this collection is fittingly tagged. It is the brainchild of none other than The Scott Healy Ensemble with trumpeter Tim Hagans as special guest. Released through Hudson City Records, Hudson City Suite offers 56 mystical filled minutes of gratification.
About Scott Healy’s latest venture, Bill Milkowski puts it best. His liner notes states, “Who knew that lurking in the back of the bandstand amidst the nightly frolics on TV’s “Conan” show was an accomplished composer capable of such profoundly moving and meaningful music? While Scott Healy is more likely to show the influence of rock ‘n roll piano pioneers Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard in his duties as resident keyboardist with the Basic Cable Band on the popular and irreverent TBS talk sh

ow, he reveals a deep understanding and appreciation for the sophistication and elegance of maestro Duke Ellington on Hudson City Suite.”
“Koko On The Boulevard” is an unquestionably modern track. It has no restraints and yet it is in perfect sync. The inspiration behind “Princess Tongora” is a painting of a mysterious princess. This explains why this unique track captures your inner psyche. “Interlude” is a mere two minutes (roughly) piece. It is a outstanding showcase for the horns. From the beginning notes of “Franklin Steps”, the untamed heat of the blues can be felt. Healy states, “It’s got an old gutbucket New Orleans Shuffle vibe.” Upon listening to it, I really must agree with him. It is an excellent composition. Hudson City Suite is a fantastic, vanguard recording.
In addition to Conan, Scott Healy has worked with Late Night and The Tonight Show. He is an accomplished musician and he has worked with Al Green, Bruce Springsteen, BB King, Tony Bennett, Bonnie Raitt and others. He is the beneficiary of numerous accolades. He has a degree in Composition and Piano from Eastman School of Music.

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