GRAMMY® nominated trombonist Hank Bilal gathered ten Billboard No. 1 hitmakers and award‑winning musicians for his new single, “Astronomical,” which is currently climbing the Billboard, Mediabase, Smooth Jazz Network, and Groove Jazz charts.
Bilal wrote and produced the otherworldly jazz-funk track featuring Phil Denny on tenor saxophone and Marcus Anderson on flute. The gravity-defying groove is deployed by drummer PJ Spraggins, bassist Michael Fields, and percussionist Sedar Jones. The unearthly melodies on “Astronomical” are crafted by guitarist Big Mike Hart, Bilal and Marcus Johnson on keyboards, and Nathan Mitchell on organ. Adding spacey horns are trumpeter Lin Rountree and Randy Scott on electronic wind instrument.
“As I reached out to every musician on the song, they didn't hesitate to give me a yes,” said Bilal. “They not only played on the tracks, but they played their best and didn't cut any corners. I'm grateful for the musical relationships I have with each and every one of these musicians.”
Bilal says the single is about wonder, connection, and the feeling of being transported — the sense of drifting weightlessly through a musical universe.
“We wanted to create something that felt weightless, like you're floating, but the groove keeps you grounded,” said Bilal. “The first thing I did was ask PJ to set the tone on the rhythm track. Then I added Michael’s bass and Big Mike’s guitar. At this point, the rhythm section is looking pretty sweet. One of the OG’s of our genre, Marcus Johnson added soulful melodic piano. Nathan showcases his church and funk roots by rendering an organ sound that sings throughout the song. Sedar gave the track even more swag with his percussion. Two more heavyweights, Lin and Randy, added horns to underscore the double feature with Phil and Marcus Anderson’s melodic finesse.”
Composing, arranging, and performing “Astronomical” is a feat presently receiving GRAMMY® consideration in three categories: Best Jazz Performance, Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella; and Best Instrumental Composition. Bilal performed at the 50th GRAMMY® Awards with Aretha Franklin.
The South Carolina-born, bred, and based Bilal has kept the company of GRAMMY® recognized talent for years, having performed with 10-time GRAMMY® winner Chaka Khan, 9-time GRAMMY® nominee Gerald Albright, and 3-time GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient The Clark Sisters.
Bilal, who is also a music educator, has released four albums: a collection of reimagined covers titled Beneath The Covers (2022), the holiday themed A Bona Fide Christmas (2020), The Black Aquarius (2019), and his debut Brassential Elements (2015).
“Astronomical” showcases Bilal’s ability to unite elite contemporary jazz voices into a cohesive, forward‑leaning composition.
For more information, visit www.hankbilalmusic.com.
