Search - Jeff Hamilton Trio :: Great American Songs - Through the Years

Jeff Hamilton Trio Great American Songs: Through The Years CAPRI 71005 ++++½ On this beautiful-sounding, limited-edition CD, drummer/leader Jeff Hamilton proves (once again) that he is not only a master of the American Songbook but an equally gifted arranger and, of course, drummer. Joined by his longtime trio of bassist Christoph Luty and pianist Tamir Hendelman, Hamilton gives a lesson in the beauty of song and the beauty of swing-all with such immaculate attention to detail that you can't help but be caught up in his trio's trance. Though Hamilton plays sticks on a few tracks, including a fiery Latin-toswing "All Or Nothing At All," it's his brush work that perpetually amazes. Contrary to popular opinion, it takes greater strength to convincingly perform on brushes than sticks. The lack of natural rebound and lower volume range can cause even the most qualified drummer to soil his tuxedo. But Hamilton unleashes a vast dynamic range with the brushes, executing creative figures with profound detail and clarity coupled to inspired ideas. Only Papa Jo Jones, Roy Haynes, Clayton Cameron and Kenny Washington have attained similar expressiveness. Produced by Takao Ishizuka and recorded, mixed and mastered by Talley Sherwood, Great American Songs: Through The Years is a jazz gift. -Ken Micallef - DownBeat May 2015 ****1/2