Legendary D.C. native saxophonist Roger “Buck” Hill (1927–2017) was also known as “wailing mailman” for his more than half a century long work at the Washington D.C. US Postal Service. Despite his enormous talent as a musician Buck stayed in his hometown all his life except for occasional tours to Europe. This LP was recorded live at the Northsea Jazz Festival in Holland during one of those European tours. He otherwise performed after work at local live spots, sometimes with visiting artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, among others. “On the surface the two Buck Hill albums recorded in 1981 at North Sea with Reuben Brown, Wilbur Little, and Hart are nothing special: veterans going through their paces. But if you really know how to listen to straight-ahead jazz, these discs show a specifically Washington D.C. way of handling the common practice repertoire.” (Ethan Iverson – Do The M@th)

Impressions

Roger “Buck” Hill (1927-2017) was a full-time employee of a Washington D.C. post office when his much-acclaimed debut album was released from SteepleChase in 1978. Since then this legendary tenorman has invested more of his time in the musical activities and has regularly brought his band to the enthusiastic European audience. He otherwise performed after work at local live spots, sometimes with visiting artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, among others. “Buck Hill is one of the most notable ‘regional’ jazzmen in America … SteepleChase albums feature Hill with two different rhythm sections, … each winds up with the same result: honest, proficient blowing that has its individual clout…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz)

Scope

“Buck Hill is one of the most notable ‘regional’ jazzmen in America…” (The Penguin Guide to Jazz) “…the saxophonist is continuously improving…his contribution is ever convincingly superb..” (Jazz Magazine) Previously issued on SCCD 31160 & SCCD 31173