Album Review: Thank You Notes: The Music of Gregg Hill from the Paul Keller Orchestra

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Album:  Thank You Notes: The Music of Gregg Hill
Artist:  Paul Keller Orchestra
Label: Cold Plunge Records
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Websites: https://www.coldplungerecords.com
www.paulkellerjazz.com
www.gregghilljazz.com
 
String bass player and bandleader Paul Keller helms an 18-piece orchestra on Thank You Notes: The Music of Gregg Hill.  Packed with interpretations of Gregg Hill's original works,  Keller's orchestra captures the opulence of classic big band vitality, liaising with a modern playfulness and easy-going repartee. 
 
The classic big band finish of "Bopportunity" is liken to the orchestras of the 1960's with a contemporary arc.  The spirited vibe of Finkbeiner's trumpet trotting through "Dollah Hollah" has a striking flair, as though building a story about the day in the life of a single individual.  The listener can easily imagine the character being played by the late actor Jack Lemmon, mirroring the actor's leisurely strut, playfulness, and flavorful persona. 
 
The recording continues with dreamy ballads like the title track and "The Speckled Frog," and swinging romps like "Cadillac Club" and "Sister Sue."  The bulging whirls of Sarah D’Angelo's clarinet, enhanced by the dramatic tone of Cary Kocher's vibraphone, in "Summer Nights" are reminiscent of the music of grand MGM movie productions, while the rhumba sway of "La Playa" conjures the imagery of an intimately enchanted evening. 
 
The Paul Keller Orchestra gives character, opulence, and zing to Gregg Hill's composition.  The band celebrates 40 years working together in 2027, playing weekly in Ann Arbor at Zal Gaz Grotto Club.  Their familiarity with each other is demonstrated in their easy repartee, fitting their parts snugly and harmoniously.
 
Musicians:
Paul Keller - String Bass and Band Leader
Adam Mosley - Piano
Pete Siers - Drum Set
Cary Kocher - Vibraphone and Bongos
Sarah D’Angelo - Vocals and Clarinet
Keith Kaminski - Alto Sax and Soprano Sax
James Hughes - Alto Sax
Steve Wood - Tenor Sax
Chris Tabaczynski - Tenor Sax
Mark Kieme - Baritone Sax
Mike Williams - Trumpet
Paul Finkbeiner - Trumpet
Joe Palmer - Trumpet
Lucas Stickley-Miner - Trumpet
Chris Smith - Trombone
Terry Kimura - Trombone
Willie Wang - Trombone
Chris Glassman - Trombone

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