GRAMMY®-nominated trombonist and producer Hank Bilal brings together ten Billboard No. 1 hitmakers and award-winning musicians for “Astronomical,” an expansive jazz-funk collaboration that is gaining momentum on the Billboard, Mediabase, Smooth Jazz Network, and Groove Jazz charts.
A musical journey fueled by stellar musicianship, infectious grooves, and otherworldly melodies, “Astronomical” showcases Bilal’s vision for bringing some of contemporary jazz’s most accomplished artists together in a single, cohesive production.
Written and produced by Bilal, the track features an impressive ensemble led by Phil Denny on tenor saxophone and Marcus Anderson on flute. Drummer PJ Spraggins, bassist Michael Fields, and percussionist Sedar Jones establish the track’s gravity-defying rhythmic foundation, while guitarist Big Mike Hart, Bilal, and Marcus Johnson on keyboards, and Nathan Mitchell on organ create its rich melodic landscape. Trumpeter Lin Rountree and Randy Scott, performing on electronic wind instrument, add atmospheric horn textures that elevate the production.
The collaboration came together through relationships Bilal has cultivated throughout his career, with the musicians responding enthusiastically to his invitation to participate.
“As I reached out to every musician on the song, they didn't hesitate to give me a yes,” said Bilal. “They not only played on the tracks, but they played their best and didn't cut any corners. I'm grateful for the musical relationships I have with each and every one of these musicians.”
At its heart, “Astronomical” is about wonder, connection, and musical escapism. Bilal envisioned a sound that would transport listeners into an expansive sonic universe, creating a sensation of weightlessness while maintaining an irresistible rhythmic pulse.
“We wanted to create something that felt weightless, like you're floating, but the groove keeps you grounded,” Bilal explained.
The producer began by asking Spraggins to establish the rhythmic direction before layering Fields' bass and Hart's guitar. From there, the arrangement continued to evolve, with Johnson contributing soulful piano, Mitchell bringing his gospel and funk influences to the organ, and Jones adding percussion that gave the groove additional character. Rountree and Scott subsequently expanded the horn arrangement, complementing the melodic contributions of Denny and Anderson.
The result is a sophisticated blend of contemporary jazz, funk, and atmospheric instrumentation, with each musician contributing a distinctive voice without losing sight of the composition's collective identity.
The creative achievement behind “Astronomical” is also receiving significant industry attention. The composition is currently receiving GRAMMY® consideration in three categories: Best Jazz Performance, Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella, and Best Instrumental Composition. Bilal brings his own GRAMMY® pedigree to the project, having performed at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards alongside the legendary Aretha Franklin.
Born, raised, and based in South Carolina, Bilal has built an impressive musical résumé through collaborations and performances with some of the industry's most celebrated artists. His professional associations include 10-time GRAMMY® winner Chaka Khan, nine-time GRAMMY® nominee Gerald Albright, and three-time GRAMMY® winners and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award recipients The Clark Sisters.
Beyond performing and producing, Bilal is also a music educator, bringing a commitment to musicianship and artistic development to his work. His recording catalog includes four albums: the reimagined-cover collection Beneath The Covers (2022), the holiday release A Bona Fide Christmas (2020), The Black Aquarius (2019), and his debut album, Brassential Elements (2015).
With “Astronomical,” Bilal adds another ambitious chapter to his musical journey, demonstrating how creative vision, longstanding relationships, and exceptional musicianship can converge to produce something greater than the sum of its parts. As the single continues its climb across multiple jazz charts, its all-star ensemble delivers a compelling reminder of the vitality and collaborative spirit of contemporary jazz.
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