"harmonically blends be-bop tunes lifting the spirits"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 02/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Looking back, when Concord entered the picture - Carl Jefferson (producer) gave Scott Hamilton more confidence and direction, resulted in an increased maturity in his playing. Hamilton appeared with - Woody Herman, Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff, George Wein and Ray Brown, had a significally positive effect on his future and career.Of course there are stand outs - "GROOVE YARD" (Carl Perkins), Scott shares the prominence of the '70s, with this one-of-a-kind arrangement..."CHELSEA BRIDGE" (Billy Strayhorn), the other half of the Duke Ellington team, comes up with this tender-mood setting direct-hit tune..."LIMEHOUSE BLUES" (Braham/Furber), an upbeat-swinging favorite of Fred Astaire's, which he performed in "Ziegfeld Follies" (1946) film, an unforgettable dance sequence.Wonderful performances by Scott Hamilton (tenor sax), Gerry wiggins (piano), Andy Simpkins (bass), Jeff Hamilton (drums) and Howard Alden (guitar), layed out carefully and lifting every jazz-lovers spirits!Total Time: 51:39 on 11 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4492...(1992)"
Has Scott Hamilton Ever Turned Out A Bad CD?
Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 11/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If he has , I've never heard it! In my opinion he's the current reigning master of the tenor sax.This cd contains a great mixture of standards........some of the often recorded songs like "Limehouse Blues", one of the more popular Howard Dietz/ Arthur Schwartz compositions "Alone Together", and the Oscar Hammerstein II/ Jerome Kern collaborations "The Song Is You".It also includes the Carl Perkins 1958 composition "Groove Yard" which is reason enough for bop collectors. Another little known goody is "Oh, Look At Me Now" written by Jumpn' Joe Bushkin about the time when he played with Tommy Dorsey which was recorded with Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers. My favorite is a beautiful ballad "I've Just Seen Her" which may also be one of Scott's since he also recorded it on "Gerry Mulligan Meets Scott Hamilton".To further enhance this set, guitarist Howard Alden appears on four tracks , two of them duos with Scott. So you get 2 duo tracks, 2 quintet and 7 quartet selections further adding to the variety.You will like this album if you like small group jazz, Scott Hamilton, or great tenor sax."