Gregory Hutchinson (@gregoryhutchinsonofficial) is a Rome, Italy-based drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. Not too long ago, he released a lovely neo-soul single, titled, “New Dawn,” featuring Swedish and London-based jazz artist, Liselotte Östblom (@liselotteostblom), via Warner Music Central Europe.
Gregory Hutchinson – “New Dawn” single featuring Liselotte Östblom
“Everyone knows me for playing jazz, but I grew up around the corner from Biggie. That’s my era. I was thinking, how are we going to bring younger people to jazz music now that they are gravitating away from it? I was going through a divorce, going through different trials in life, and I decided to just do what I love to do. To just speak to the way I want to speak. Making music is, I think, supposed to be kind of like telling your life story. I’m not trying to portray anything that I’m not in the music. I just understand what makes people move and how to do that. It’s like, this is where we are.” – Gregory Hutchinson explained
‘New Dawn’ is a captivating collaboration infused with infectious rhythms and airy jazz keys, where Östblom’s soulful neo-soul vocals interweave seamlessly with Hutchinson’s punchy drum production, creating a mesmerizing blend of melody and rhythm.
Embodying personal growth and transformation, “New Dawn” encapsulates the exhilaration and determination of embracing a fresh start. Östblom sings, “It’s a dawning of dreams, a new regime. The forming of a crown on my head, I’m moving on.” With playful sensuality and unwavering resolve, the track invites listeners to embark on a journey of new beginnings and exciting horizons.
‘New Dawn’ follows the previously released offerings “Straight From The Heart” (feat. Leona Berlin & Karriem Riggins) and “Blow My Mind/Let’s Take It Back” (feat. Sy Smith, Javier Starks). Also, “New Dawn” is the third preview from Gregory Hutchinson’s highly anticipated debut solo album, “Da Bang,” available on September 29th.
Gregory Hutchinson – “Da Bang” album
Hutchinson’s 15-track debut album mines deeply into personal revelations and his experience and virtuosity in jazz, but artistically it ventures beyond the expected. With unique collaborations and genre-defying creativity, “Da Bang” adventurously explores elements of hip-hop, funk, R&B, and neo-soul.
With “Da Bang,” Hutchinson has taken those variegated styles and fused them into a one-of-a-kind blast of genre-busting Brooklyn energy, all with a deeply personal lyrical approach hewn from his diaries and experiences. Though soundly rooted in the jazz tradition, the album sees Hutchinson approaching his strikingly powerful songcraft with the versatility, dynamism, and imagination he has long been known for, coloring original compositions like the fiery statement of purpose, “We Got Drumz (Feat. Javier Starks & Soweto Kinch” and the album-closing “Fly Away (Feat. Nicholas Payton)” with his mastery of timing, natural feel, and staggering innovation.
The 15-track project was recorded by award-winning producer/drummer, Karriem Riggins (J Dilla, Common, Robert Glasper). It sees Hutchinson joined by an all-star lineup of unique collaborators, including such diverse friends and fellow artists as Riggins, Leona Berlin, PJ, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Vernon Reid, Christian Scott, Nicholas Payton, Kameron Corvet, Tim Smith, Sy Smith, Javier Starks, Samora, James Poyser, and more. Spurred on by cataclysmic personal life changes, Hutchinson emerges triumphantly as a bravely emotive and fearlessly innovative songwriter with his first-ever solo album.
Gregory Hutchinson
“Challenging things in life motivate you to be better and try new things. I found myself going to the park at 6:00 in the morning, writing in my journal, and those words became song lyrics. Making music is supposed to be telling your life story, and this is my story without boundaries.” – Gregory Hutchinson stated
One of the most highly regarded musicians of his generation, Gregory Hutchinson has been hailed for his work performing and recording with countless jazz greats including Betty Carter, Red Rodney, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Dianne Reeves, Lou Donaldson, Wynton Marsalis, John Scofield, Diana Krall, and Harry Connick Jr, to name just a few.
Gregory Hutchinson
“When you look back, you realize all music is connected. No matter what color, genre, gender, and sexual orientation, we share a space and a time. But let’s not be confused, each music does have a vocabulary, and as long as you respect that, and do it authentically, you see none of the genres are that far apart. I still have that fire to make my mark. With this new music, I hope to continue my journey but bring people along for the new adventures.” – Gregory Hutchinson stated
Hutchinson’s relevance across generations and genres is a direct result of his upbringing. He grew up immersed in cross-culture dialogues. Hutchinson’s Trinidadian household was within earshot of the explosive sounds of classic hip-hop that filled the streets of NYC in the late 1970s and 1980s. His late mother loved old soul and R&B records, and his drummer father played in reggae and calypso bands.
Hutchinson indeed brings that energy to “Da Bang.” The album is a mission statement for his desire to break down barriers and explore new musical territories while still keeping an it’s-gotta-bang-in-the-clubs mentality. Hutchinson cites diverse beacons of influence for “Da Bang” such as J Dilla, Pete Rock, Madlib, Karriem Riggins, James Taylor, and Carole King.
“New Dawn” single featuring Liselotte Östblom
We recommend adding Gregory Hutchinson’s “New Dawn” single to your favorite neo-soul playlist. Also, let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music and entertainment news. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our merchandise, and become a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment. Disclaimer: This post contains Apple Music affiliate links. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. That little compensation will be used towards keeping this website up and running.