Hilton Park

The idea of Hilton Park is something to be admired.

A father getting together with his son to form a band is venerable undertaking. While most of said mergers are best kept in the confines of the family's home, Hilton Park is right to break the rule. Teaming up with family friend and longtime collaborator Gregg Pannier (piano, midi, vocals), the band has put together one of the best sounding releases of the year with its debut, "Greener Grass."

There's some interesting history that is found in the lifeline of this Hilton Park project.

Old man Bruce Hilton (vocals, guitar, dobro, weissenborn, harmonica, pedal steel) and teenaged Conor Hilton are, according to the band's Web site, www.hiltonparkmusic.com, "directly descended from William Hilton, who in 1623 with his brother Edward founded the city of Dover, the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire, and the seventh oldest in the United States. The site where William and Edward lived is now known as ... you guessed it: HILTON PARK."

"Greener Grass," is fresh. The production is sparkling. The acoustic instrumentation and vocal harmonies are top-notch. The warmth and depth that the elder Hilton's wiessenborn and pedal steel playing add to this record are aesthetically pleasing.

In short, "Greener Grass" is quite excellent. With elements of folk, country and blues, it's music to tap your foot along to while perched in a rocker on the porch. It's how one could envision a cherished musical hang between father, son and friend. Jamming on the porch.

That said, this isn't as loose as a jam. It's tight. It's rich. It's bright. The sun shines down on this group and the music it has put together. It's clear that the band members are inherently connected — not just by blood, but by musical abilities.

There are few "cooler" ways to come of age than to record a high-quality record with your father. There is no element of cheese here. This is honest, acoustic music showcasing the songwriting capabilities of both parts of the team.

Father Bruce Hilton pens originals, as does son Conor Hilton.

To round it all out the band has taken a stab at Coldplay's "Life In Technicolor Pt. II" as the album's closer. There's no more vibrant color than green. That sentiment resonates throughout this stellar piece of work.

The Berwick-based group will celebrate the release of "Greener Grass" on Jan. 2 at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry. - Christopher Hislop

• “True style with the harmonic sounds of a train taking off… Down home country sounds and harmonic voices”

• “Lyrics with feeling; a harmonious sound that touches my southern soul”

• “Well made songs with a crafty style and rhythmic background… shapely but soothing instrumentation that juxtaposes the vocals… a breathtaking piece of work which makes me feel like I’m flying”

• “Amazing vocal harmonizing; awesome backwoods country instrumentals”

• “Brilliant; immediately got my head bobbing; totally unique”

• “Something that might have proceeded from the deep south… reminiscent of traditional songs of long ago, still enough modern touches to keep the audience interested” - Various