Following Cascades, his celebrated debut album for New York-based record label Greenleaf Music, “one of the standout Jazz albums of 2023” (The San Diego Union-Tribune), acclaimed musician Christian Dillingham, joined by guitarist Matt Gold, pianist Julius Tucker, drummer Quin Kirchner, and vocalist Jodee Lewis, returns to the recording field with a dynamic, emotional journey of an album of both the artistic and personal kind dedicated to his late father. A combination of nostalgia and blues,” as Dillingham writes in his personal notes, “represents the culmination of my family’s experience last fall.”

An accomplished composer as well as sought-after bassist in both the jazz and classical arenas, Dillingham, who appears on over 20 other jazz albums in addition to his own, offers six new jazz works, along with personal favorites: Lowlands by Gillian Welch, What’ll I Do by Irving Berlin, T.G.T.T. by Duke Ellington, and Boots of Spanish Leather by Bob Dylan.

His personal details of each work provide a rare, honest, inside look at an in-demand musician’s life, the personal experiences and emotions molded into music. Dillingham writes, “This album is dedicated to my late father, Larry Eugene Dillingham. His birthday is October 12, and the release date of the album was chosen in honor of him. The songs were developed in the months following my dad’s passing in September 2023. Many of them emerged from voice memos on my phone while singing along I-65 during several trips back and forth between Chicago and Bloomington, IN. The fall of 2023 brought both ups and downs—it felt like an emotional rollercoaster at times. Within the course of a week, I received news that I would be losing my dad and my teaching position. Simultaneously, my debut album was set to release days later, and I was preparing to lead a band at the Chicago Jazz Festival for the first time. Amidst all this, I had additional performances, including some at the Green Mill and more at the Chicago Jazz Festival. The emotional intensity during that period was overwhelming. As I reflect on it, I feel proud of the material that emerged. Grateful for my family, I decided to represent some of them with a song on this record.”

Grammy Award winning journalist Neil Tesser, who wrote the liner notes for Halcyon, comments on Dillingham’s experiences, both in the personal side and the musical translation, and states at the end of his notes, “That this journey transpires internally makes it no less thrilling, and no less picturesque, than the globetrotting adventures undertaken by the mythical Odysseus in his effort to return home — to his halcyon refuge — as recounted by Homer. It’s fitting that Dillingham has filled this narrative with equally persuasive poetry.”

Track Listing:

1. Dimepiece 7:11
2. Halcyon 5:38
3. Sinclair’s Struggle 6:14)
4. Lowlands (Gillian Welch) 4:05
5. What’ll I Do (Irving Berlin) 5:42
6. T.G.T.T. (Duke Ellington) 5:55
7. Twice Lost 4:57
8. Peace Awaits 7:09
9. Eleanor Jean 5:34
10. Boots of Spanish Leather (Bob Dylan) 4:36

Personnel:

Christian Dillingham, double bass
Matt Gold, guitar, pedal steel
Julius Tucker, piano
Quin Kirchner, drums
Jodee Lewis, vocals

Production Credits:

All songs written by Christian Dillingham (Rill Dill Music Incorporated, ASCAP), except “Lowlands” by Gillian Welch + David Rawlings (Wixen Publishing), “What’ll I Do” by Irving Berlin (Public Domain), ”T.G.T.T.” by Duke Ellington (SONY ATV Publishing) and “Boots of Spanish Leather” by Bob Dylan (Universal Music Publishing).

Executive Producer: Dave Douglas
Producer: Christian Dillingham

Recording date(s): December 18 and 20, 2023
Studio name and location: Pro Musica, Chicago, IL
Recording engineer(s): Ken Christianson
Mixing engineer(s): Ken Christianson
Mastering engineer: Ken Christianson
Photographer(s): Mikel Patrick Avery (cover photo), Alex Callejo (press photos)
Graphic designer: Lukas Frei

Recorded on December 18 and 20, 2023 at Pro Musica, Chicago, IL
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Ken Christianson

This album is dedicated to my late father, Larry Eugene Dillingham. The album’s release date coincides with his birthday, October 12th. Happy Birthday, Dad.

First and foremost, I thank God, for the abundant blessings in my life and the gift of music. Thank you, Krista, for your endless love and support, and for joining me on this journey. Thank you, Eleanor and Cora, for being you! Thank you, Mom, for always believing in me. Special thanks to Matt, Julius, Quin, and Jodee for sharing your gifts and making this music come to life! Thank you, Ken Christianson, for your sonic vision and generosity. Thank you, Dave Douglas, and everyone at Greenleaf for this opportunity.

Press:

Coming soon.