Jeff Hamilton interview pt.1
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
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Bio: Originality is what versatile drummer Jeff Hamilton brings to the groups he performs with and is one of the reasons why he is constantly in demand, whether he is recording or performing with his trio, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, the Clayton Brothers or co-leading the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Jeff's recording, It's Hamilton Time (Lake Street Records), received enormous airplay while reaching #5 on the Gavin national jazz radio chart. His trio's second release, Jeff Hamilton Trio-LIVE! (MONS) was nominated by critics for best jazz recording in Germany in 1997. The trio's second MONS release is entitled, Hands On . Hamilton House-Live at Steamers (MONS) is the trio's 2000 release. As well as recording and performing throughout the world, Jeff also teaches, arranges and composes.
Jeff has received rave reviews for his dynamic drumming. David Badham of Jazz Journal International stated in his review of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra's release, Heart and Soul (Capri): "This is one of the finest modern big band issues I've heard...This is undoubtedly due to Jeff Hamilton, a most driving and technically accomplished drummer."" Jeff is equally at home in smaller formats. He is an integral part of the Clayton Brothers and Herb Wong stated in his review of their release, The Music (Capri), in JazzTimes: "Always evident is...the colorful work of the rhythm section featuring...the sensitivity and sizzle of Jeff Hamilton's seasoned drums." Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times described Jeff and his work with Oscar Peterson as "the Los Angeles-based drummer whose intelligent backing and spirited solo work met Peterson's customarily high standards..." In his review of he Ray Brown Trio in the Denver Post, Jeff Bradley stated that Jeff "brought the crowd to its feet with his amazing hand-drumming, soft and understated yet as riveting and rewarding as any drum solo you've heard."
Born in Richmond, Indiana, Jeff grew up listening to his parent's big band records and at the age of eight began playing drums along with Oscar Peterson records. He attended Indiana University and later studied with John Avon Ohlen. Jeff was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, "Philly" Joe Jones and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then joined Lionel Hampton's Band until 1975 when he, along with bassist John Clayton, became members of the Monty Alexander Trio. He attained a childhood goal in 1977 when he joined Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, with whom he made several recordings. In 1978, he was offered the position vacated by Shelly Manne in the L.A.4 with Ray Brown, Bud Shank and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded six records with the L.A.4, some of which featured his own arrangements and compositions. From 1983 to 1987, Jeff performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney and Monty Alexander. Jeff began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1999-2001, the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra was named the in-residence ensemble for the Hollywood Bowl Jazz series. The Los Angeles Jazz Society named Jeff and his musical partner, John Clayton, musicians of the year for 2006. A banquet in their honor was held at the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown Hotel. Jeff is currently touring with his own Trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Diana Krall.
In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Jeff has been on nearly 200 recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akioshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel and Mark Murphy. Jeff is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany. He also appeared in Natalie Cole's Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable and an Oscar Peterson documentary, Life In The Key Of Oscar.
DANG !
alright Jeff
Now you got my brain going overtime trying to keep all this mind while jamming hard rock/jazz/ whatever happens.
Especially trying to be a musical drummer, singinging the parts, using dynamics, all of it great stuff !!!!
I'm 68 and still rocking hard, always trying to improve
I first heard the genius of Jeff at a dinner club in Burbank, CA. and was immediately hooked! As a singer, I recognized the musicality of his style and told him how much I enjoyed the love affair he had with his drums.
What a pleasure to hear Jeff Hamilton, whether he plays or discusses music! His musical philosophy is worth studying.
Jeff is one of my favorites, thanks for posting!
So great is this, as always Jeff Hamilton
Jeff has such an original style - his rapid fire M16 style bursts within the time signature adds so much spice to the songs - And no one - No One - uses brushes like Jeff.
Fantastic interview, thank you! Jeff Hamilton inspired me to pursue jazz, and to continue the journey.
thanks so much for this awesome post!
just discovering him now, I've heard of him but only today started to take notice.
@John Garrett I didn't know this. thank you
Part two just posted to our channel.
HUMILITY AT ITS BEST
Looks like Jeff wants to be a Hamilton . He grew up in snare drum . You will never grow up in snare drum like him . Oscar yeah he grew up in floor tom . Musicians don't play games they play drums etc
Found Jeff on a John Pizzarelli "Dear Mr. Sinatra" CD. I was impressed with his drumming and style. Wish the recordings (sound) was better though!
His work with Pizzarelli is great. You should try listening to Jeff Hamilton's album with his trio, “Live!” It's my favorite album of his. Hamilton's work with John Clayton with their jazz orchestra is amazing too, check that out!
Gerard Cruz Thanks, Gerard, I'll check it out!!!
Great advice,but oh lord another life times work!😅