1.September In The Rain
2. All Through the Night
3. Watch What Happens
4. Soul Eyes
5. This Can't Be Love
6. There'll Be Some Changes Made
7. Sybille's Day
8. Key Largo
9. Woody 'n You
10. The Champ
11. Ballad For Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus Eaters
12. You and the Night and The Music
13. Centerpiece
Scott Hamilton - Tenor Sax
Jeff Hamilton - Drums
Tamir Hendelman - Piano
Christof Luty – Bass
Rec. 18 May, 2014, Bern Switzerland
Patience has paid off for Thomas Burns, President of US based Capri Records. Having been acquainted with Scott and Jeff, two artists who coincidentally
share the same surname, for over thirty years, it has been his long-held dream to get them together. Whilst Jeff has recorded frequently for Capri,
Scott has been contracted to other labels, and has forged his career mainly in Europe. The golden opportunity came in May 2014 when both musicians were
scheduled to play at the International Jazzfestival, Bern. So, what we have here is the Jeff Hamilton Trio joined by Scott Hamilton in an album of
swing titled ‘Live in Bern’. This is, in fact, a studio session from 18 May 2014, hence the absence of audience participation, yet
with all the intimacy of the club setting.
Nostalgia seems to be the name of the game, and fans of swing will find plenty to savour,
much familiar, some not. The results couldn’t be more refreshing. You’d think this line up of artists had been playing together for years, such is the
tangible rapport between them. They bring something vital and alive to these numbers, completely revitalizing them. We revisit old friends in September in the Rain, Watch what happens and This can't be love. Then there’s Sybille’s Day, one of Jeff’s own
compositions.
If, like me, you’re partial to the saxophone, Scott Hamilton’s rich full bodied timbre, focused tone and instinctive phrasing will perhaps reawaken
memories of Ben Webster. Soul Eyes, my favorite track on the disc, is a case in point, showcasing these facets of Scott’s artistry. The
smouldering, purring sound he achieves, coupled with the eloquence of his delivery, make this a highlight.
Jeff’s compelling drumming and brush work has a magical quality, that can never be accused of lacking subtlety. He diplays his virtuoso skills to
effect in Woody ‘n You, and there’s some spellbinding brushwork in
There'll be some changes made
. Christof Luty’s sensitive and discreet bass accompaniments add to the success of the mix, and you won’t fail to be won over by the improvisatory
skills and rhythmic verve of
Tamir Hendelman. His supportive pianissimo tread set against Scott’s shapely, meandering contours in Key Largo has a mesmerizing effect.
Generous on melody and in top class sound and balance, this is surely one of the finest jazz albums I’ve listened to in a while.
Stephen Greenbank
See also review by Tony Augarde
CD Reviews
CAPRI #74139
