By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Great American Songs Through the Years
I
knew this release would be great, even before hearing it. Jeff Hamilton is the
most tasteful drummer around; ditto for pianist Tamir Hendleman and bassist
Christoph Luty. Add the fact that these artists have played together for more
than a decade, and, well, you have a sure winner.
Capri
Records obviously thinks the same. They took this album — initially released in
2013 in Japan, by Art Promotion Inc. — and produced a 2,500-copy limited edition
of their own. Get yours quickly (although I expect it’ll be popular enough to prompt
further editions).
Hamilton,
born in the early 1950s, quickly became a percussion legend. It’s difficult to
find a top artist with whom he hasn’t worked. During his early years, the list
included Lionel Hamilton, Woody Herman, Monty Alexander and the Tommy Dorsey
“ghost band.” The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) was formed in 1985,
and still exists and records today. Other associations include Count Basie,
Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Diana Krall and combos under Hamilton’s own
name.
The
number of vocalists he has supported is a further indication of his tasteful
playing.
Hendelmen,
born in Israel in 1984, moved to the States and at age 14 won a Yamaha
competition. In 1993, he became the youngest musical director at Florida’s
Lovewell Institute. He has recorded with Barbra Streisand and Natalie Cole,
toured with Tierney Sutton and the Bill Holman Big Band, and (of course) is a member
of Hamilton’s combo and the CHJO.
Luty
has been with Hamilton’s trio for a decade, also is a member of the CHJO, and
teaches. His association with name artists includes Shirley Horn, Dave Brubeck,
Bill Cunliffe and Bill Watrous.
Anyone who lived through
the Big Band years will be familiar with the 10 Great American Songbook tunes
that fill this album. It’s all familiar, memorable and swinging, and it’s an
absolute must for your jazz library.
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