Album Notes

David Hillis, born in 1970 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, began studying piano at the age of eight. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Piano Performance at Oklahoma City University. Although his formal piano training was primarily classical, he has focused his recent studies on jazz. David served as an accompanist at OCU from 1995 until 2000 and conducted the Women’s Choral Union from 1999 to 2001. He also has enjoyed the honor of accompanying the Oklahoma Music Educators Association’s All-State Choir for the past four years. In addition to playing the piano, David is an arranger and composer. He plays and sings with Forerunner, a notable contemporary Christian band. David currently resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Crystal and son Ethan, teaches vocal and instrumental music at Heritage Hall private school, and is the pianist and choral director at Graceway Baptist Church.

This album has been a dream of mine since the summer of 2000. I wanted to record a project of hymns and spirituals with a jazz flavor, using my own arrangements and improvisations. After much study, listening, practicing, and experimenting with various reharmonizations on each song, I have completed a project that I hope will bless you, as well as entertain and provide an interesting listening experience. Enjoy, and keep an eye out for future projects! -David