"Anything you want to play - sing it first and you'll be able to play it." - Jeff Hamilton
You don't have to beat the hell out of your drums to win over an audience. Drummer Jeff Hamilton works his magic through a subtle "singing" style that turns the rudiments of beat into musical phrasing. Less bang, more bounce. It's a melodic, captivating and synergetic approach to drumming that makes him one of the most sought-after session and tour players in the jazz world today.
Drum-obsessed from an early age, Hamilton grew up listening to his parents' big band records and was playing along with Oscar Peterson vinyl by the time he was 8 years old. After attending Indiana University and later studying with legendary drummer John Von Ohlen, he jumped at the chance to join the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, which led to stints with Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Ella Fitzgerald, and the L.A.4 after Shelly Manne left the group. In the recording studio, Hamilton has played on more than 200 albums with artists such as Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Barbra Streisand, Herb Alpert, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John and Clark Terry.
Jeff Hamilton Trio: Live From San Pedro crowns his lifelong dedication to craft and 17 years playing with two virtuoso musicians - Tamir Hendelman on piano, and Christoph Luty on bass. Is this trio tight? Listen to their seamless interplay on "Sybille's Day" and "Poinciana," the punch of "Bennissimo," or Hamilton's dancing brushwork on "Brush This." The album was recorded at the 80-seat Alvas Showroom in San Pedro, California, enhancing the intimate vibe of a very special night. This is jazz at its distilled best.
Jeff Hamilton was our Spring 2019 featured artist and we have sold out of our seasonal supply of his CD, but you can purchase direct from his website. For more info, click here.
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