Randy Napoleon and Waking Dream

In 2025 jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon released Waking Dream, an album featuring the music of Gregg Hill performed by an octet that includes 5 guitars. Randy will lead this ensemble in Cleveland, OH at Visible Voice Books on Friday, May 22nd at 8:30 p.m..

“In Waking Dream, guitarist Randy Napoleon has assembled a musical family whose shared history fosters a strong sense of cohesion, one that goes beyond the leader’s skillful guitar work. Longtime collaborators bassist Rodney Whitaker, pianist Rick Roe and drummer Quincy Davis form the rhythmic and harmonic foundation, while four additional guitarists , Luke Sittard, Chris Minami, Jocelyn Gould and Ben Turner, create a rich sonic tapestry reminiscent of a modern guitar choir. Throughout the tracks, there are also special guests, each with a musical connection to Napoleon.” – All About Jazz

Currently an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and Associate Director of Jazz Studies, guitarist and composer Randy Napoleon cut his teeth touring with pianist Benny Green, The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Michael Bublé, and a thirteen year tenure with Freddy Cole. 

Napoleon has performed or arranged on over seventy records including the Grammy-nominated releases, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B and My Mood Is You. He performed on The Clayton Hamilton Orchestra: Live at MCG. Napoleon is featured on Buble’s Grammy-nominated CD/DVD Caught in the Act. 

Television credits include The Tonight Show, Late Night With David Letterman, The View, and the Today Show and live performances span the globe including Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, and Lincoln Center. 

Guitarist George Benson calls Napoleon “sensational.” Detroit Free Press critic Mark Stryker says Napoleon “plays with a gentle, purring tone that makes you lean in close to hear its range of color and articulation.” 

Napoleon’s thirteenth record as a leader will be released this year.

As the album unfolds, it becomes clear that it is filled with color and artistic mentorship, shaping the compositions with elegance and daring.Pierre Giroux

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