CD Review: Scott Hamilton & Jeff Hamilton Trio, "Live In Bern"

Scott Hamilton and Jeff Hamilton are not family related but they are musical brothers. This is the first CD from these two Jazz giants, and I hope it will not be their last.  Scott Hamilton takes the lead on some great Standards accompanied by the fabulous Jeff Hamilton Trio consisting of Jeff on Drums, Tamir Hendelman on Piano and Christoph Luty on Bass.  This CD is a classic swing Jazz album that proves that a warm-toned Tenor and delicious phrasing can still produce magical music.
Jeff Hamilton, every one's favorite Drummer continues to prove that technical ability and intuitive percussive artistry are a winning combination.  Jeff seems to be everywhere you look on the music scene, playing with his Trio, co-leader of the outstanding Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and writing creative music like his own composition "Sybille's Day",  the 7th cut on this CD.  Jeff also had a hand in Producing this CD, while the playlist is mostly up tempo,  there are also some great ballads.
Tamir Hendelman once again proves on this CD that he is one of the leading Jazz Pianist on the Jazz scene today.  He can do it all, great solos, solid support for other lead players and never interfering with their spot in the sun and seamlessly joining the band together as one.  This is my first experience with Christof Luty who does an outstanding job on Bass.  I should not have been surprised at his talent knowing that these three magnificent musicians would only ask an exceptional Bassman to join them.  This is a great CD to have a drink, turn the lights down low and kick back for an hour of wonderful Jazz sounds.

The Playlist is an unusual grouping of great songs.  Take a look at the composers, they are all at the  top of the composer list:

            PLAYLIST:
1. "September in The Rain"  Dubin/Warren
2. "All Through the Night" Cole Porter
3. "Watch What Happens" Michel Legrand
4. "Soul Eyes" Mal Waldron
5. "This Can't Be Love"  Richard Rodgers
6. "There'll Be Some Changes Made" W. Benton Overstreet
7. "Sybille's Day"  Jeff Hamilton
8.  "Key Largo"   Benny Carter
9. "Woody'n You"   Dizzy Gillespie
10. "The Champ"  Alan Hawkshaw
11. "Ballad For Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus Eaters"  Billy Strayhorn
12. "You and the Night and The Music"  Arthur Schwartz
13. "Centerpiece"   Harry Edison

           I found a "YouTube" for you to hear cut #10 on this CD, "The Champ'.  Enjoy!

My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion By Beverly Jensen Leys

A group of Jazz lovers from Palm Springs including my friend, Beverly Jensen Leys recently traveled to Corona Del Mar, CA to attend the 13th Annual "Newport Beach Jazz Party". I asked Beverly if she would do a "guest" blog and tell us what she saw and heard on the day she attended.

                                         My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion
                                                      By Beverly Jensen Leys
On Saturday, February 16, my friends and I witnessed and enjoyed some of the world's finest musicians.  Our first stop was the beautiful and elegant Ritz Restaurant.  My friends and I had the perfect table right in front of the band which consisted of Graham Dechter on Guitar (my nephew) Llew Mathews on Piano and Scott Hamilton on Alto Sax.  They were a wonderful and exciting trio. We enjoyed every minute.

The following group was also trio consisting of Brian Nova, Doug Macdonald and Bruce Foreman, all of who played guitars with Danny Flahive on Bass.  They provided additional wonderful and exciting sounds.

We then strolled across the street to the Marriott for the big evening performances by the great musicians at the Newport Jazz Party.  Our table was not as close to the stage as we would have liked, but there was no problem hearing every musician.  First up was James Morrison from Australia who was fantastic on Trumpet, Bass and Trombone.  The always great, Jeff Hamilton Trio plus Brian Nova accompanied him.

The Jeff Hamilton Trio performed again with Jeff on Drums, Tamir Handelman on Piano and Christoph Luty on Bass.  WOW... what a band and after three tunes Jeff brought out a special guest, my nephew, Graham Dechter to play Guitar.  His playing was phenomenal and brought down the house.

Next was Ernie Andrews who is a great performer and singer.  He was backed by my dear friend Richard Simon on Bass, Jeff on Drums and Eric Reed on Piano.  They were fabulous!

The Last group was Houston Person on Tenor Sax, Ken Peplosky, Gary Foster, Chuck Berghofer and friends.

The entire Newport Explosion begins on Friday and goes until Sunday night.  We were only there for one day.......but what a day!!  We returned to Palm Springs around 3:00 a.m., and it was worth every minute.  We are already making plans to go again next year, and you should do the same.

Bob Scofield, Jane Bush Betty Johnson, Beverly Jensen Leys and Cliff Johnson
A/K/A  The Dynamic Five