Hartford pianist Andrew Wilcox studied with some of the absolute best to finger the keyboard – Ralph Peterson, Stanley Cowell, Orrin Evans, and others – as well as revering greats like McCoy Tyner and Andrew Hill, after whom his debut is named. But Dear Mr. Hill doesn’t showcase a gifted mimic – Wilcox is his own person. Joined by bassist Avery Sharpe and drummer Yoron Israel, the young pianist boils his influences down to their essences – melodic touch, improvisational flair, harmonic range – and channels them through his own fingers for a sound all his own. “Onyx Warrior” both sweats and sways, a cover of the classic standard “Stella By Starlight” swings, and the ballad “Mary” finds new ways to express devotion and doubt. Best of all is the title track, a tribute that deftly interpolates its inspiration’s ability to stay inside while going outside, emphasizing melody even as Wilcox casually violates the harmonic boundaries. Wilcox transcends his influences while still keeping them top of mind – not as easy feat for a debut album.
