Griffith Hiltz Trio - Arcade

Griffith Hiltz Trio - Arcade - GBRecords

Comprised of Nathan Hiltz on Guitar and Bass Pedals, Johnny Griffith on Alto and Tenor Saxophones, and Synthesizers, and Neil MacIntosh on Drums, the Griffith Hiltz Trio presents us with this new recording that sounds like arcade games music crossed with movie themes by a psychedelic funk band.

Griffith is the only member of the trio I am familiar with. The trio is a close-knit one that builds melodies on the arcade game sounds the synthesizer generates with Hiltz's simple pedal bass lines and MacIntosh's drums laying down the grooves over which Griffith and Hiltz both lay down their solos. There is an appealing mix of grooves, and melodic improvising heard on "Do Not Engage." A propulsive riff sets out the energetic "WCW," where Hiltz takes a particularly heated solo, followed by "Roberta's Quest," a synthesized interlude with intriguing colors. 

The rest of "Arcade" equally engages listeners with its mix of playfulness, strong playing and solidly crafted solos, and superior ensemble playing. The result is a most engrossing listening experience.

I received a download to review from a publicist. Here is a video of the Griffith Hiltz Trio.