Andrew Hill, Fred Hersch CDs Debut on Billboard Jazz Chart

New albums from pianists Andrew Hill and Fred Hersch debuted on the Billboard jazz chart this week.

Hill's Times Lines, the pianist's first release since his return to the Blue Note label, entered the chart at number 13. All of the tracks are Hill's own compositions; his group includes clarinetist Greg Tardy, trumpeter Charles Tolliver, bassist John Hebert, and drummer Eric McPherson.

In Amsterdam: Live at the Bimhaus, a solo release from Hersch, debuted at number 21. The album mixes original compositions with standards including Monk's "Evidence" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You."

Vocalist Michael Bublé remained at the top of the chart with the platinum-selling It's Time.

There were three new entries on the contemporary-jazz chart: pianist Bob James' Urban Flamingo at number seven, guitarist Nick Colionne's Keepin' It Cool at number 13, and the compilation Smooth Jazz Does the Divas at number 25. Herbie Hancock's Possibilities remained in the number-one spot.

By Ben Mattison - playbillarts.com


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