The musical line leading up to tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is not confusing. He wears his influences on his sleeve. You hear Lester Young's phrasing, Ben Webster's languid tone, and more than a dash of Zoot Sims's ove... more »rall presentation. And while 1989's Scott Hamilton Plays Ballads is a gorgeous showing off of these influences, Ballad Essentials is a magnificent overview of his smoldering command of the genre. There's a pair of tracks from Plays Ballads ("In a Sentimental Mood" played as limber, late-night swing and "Round Midnight" given a robust, big-hearted embrace) and a pair from With Strings. The other eight pieces come from all over Hamilton's catalog, and describing any particular tune would tax the vocabulary--"aching" and "tender" have only so many synonyms. Hamilton's sense of swing is easy to love, as is his brawny tone--even when it slips into whispering mode. Ballad Essentials is meant as a themed collection, and it not only succeeds as such, it also serves as a primer for Hamilton's whole output. --Andrew Bartlett« less
The musical line leading up to tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is not confusing. He wears his influences on his sleeve. You hear Lester Young's phrasing, Ben Webster's languid tone, and more than a dash of Zoot Sims's overall presentation. And while 1989's Scott Hamilton Plays Ballads is a gorgeous showing off of these influences, Ballad Essentials is a magnificent overview of his smoldering command of the genre. There's a pair of tracks from Plays Ballads ("In a Sentimental Mood" played as limber, late-night swing and "Round Midnight" given a robust, big-hearted embrace) and a pair from With Strings. The other eight pieces come from all over Hamilton's catalog, and describing any particular tune would tax the vocabulary--"aching" and "tender" have only so many synonyms. Hamilton's sense of swing is easy to love, as is his brawny tone--even when it slips into whispering mode. Ballad Essentials is meant as a themed collection, and it not only succeeds as such, it also serves as a primer for Hamilton's whole output. --Andrew Bartlett
CD Reviews
A cd worthy of 5 stars
12/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I shall not waste your valuable time with an analysis of this cd. Other reviews exist with which I am in agreement and these reviews detail the merits of Hamilton's work with far more eloquence than I could achieve. Ballad Essentials is a wonderful and marvelous cd. Hamilton's saxaphone is smooth and flowing. The songs are basically romantic. This cd is ideal for a romantic and/or relaxing evening. One of the best Jazz cd's I have ever heard for such occasions. Highly do I recommend Scott Hamilton's Ballad Essentials."
"beautiful tones is music-to-the-ears via Hamilton"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 01/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This talented artist began playing at the age 16 and developed quickly, moved to New York in 1976. Played with Benny Goodman in the late '70s, also with such greats as Warren Vache, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney and the Concord-Jazz All-Stars, recording a long string of performances for Concord that are not able for their consistency of outstanding jazz.Scott Hamilton has appeared on more than 60 Concord releases during the past 22 years, a master of the swing, butmore not able are his beautiful tones which appear on these dozen collections from - "Scott Hamilton Is A Good Wind Who Is Blowing Us No Ill" (CCD-4042)(1977), "Scott Hamilton 2" (CCD4061)(1978), "Tenorshoes" (CCD-4127)(1979), "The Right Time" (CCD-4311)(1986), "Scott Hamilton Plays The Ballads" (CCD-4386)(1989), "Radio City"(CCD-4428)(1990), "Scott Hamilton With Strings"(CCD-4538)(1992), "East Of The Sun" (CCD-4583)(1993) and"My Romance" (CCD-4710)(1995), is just the tip of the iceberg.Of course there are stand outs - "MY FOOLISHHEART" the classic Ned Washington and Victor Young composition performed by Alan Broadbent (piano, musical director, arranger andconductor) and a trans-fixing solo by Hamilton, you just want it to go on and on..."IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD" smooth and haunting Duke Ellington tune, Scott makes this one his own, you find yourself drifting in a musical journey with just a peaceful existence.But the highlight is - "TONIGHT I SHALL SLEEP WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE" another Ellington tune, shades of the Jackie Gleason presents arrangements from "Music For Lovers Only", only this time we have Scott Hamilton to put the icing on the cake.Concord once again shares the warmth and wonderful moments from their vaults of never-to-be-forgotten classic sounds of JAZZ! TotalTime: 58:36 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4885...(2000)"
The true ballad album.
Bandy | Singapore | 06/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my first Scott Hamilton Cd.I didn't know much about this guy until I heard him in a music store.Wow!he is a real gentleman who play great ballads.He got the warmest and most beautiful subtones that anyone can get.His tone is full of lust and romance.Listen with care...exquisite harmonies keep pouring out from his sax.Watch out for , a song fills with bittersweetness.I rate this 5 stars because this is the best ballad album I have ever heard.The notes that came out from his sax may not be as complex as Henderson or Coltrane's,but every note he played is very essential to Jazz ballads.With this album,you don't even need a lover to spent a perfect valentine's day.Enjoy it at solitude moments with a glass of red wine would make a perfect moment.I highly recommend this album to people who love REAL MUSIC.Trust me,this one is unlike many other ballad albums out there...Enjoy!"
Great for creating a romantic mood!
lb7550 | OH USA | 12/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD will definitely put you in a mellow mood. It is very relaxing throughout each track. All of the songs are slow and smooth. You don't listen to two or three slow songs and then suddenly a fast upbeat song that catches you off guard. It's great to curl up to with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of your favorite wine and the one you love."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1