Search - Scott Hamilton :: Tenor Shoes

There's more to this than meets the ear

01/26/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"You must have seen them. Either in your local record shop or even, God forbid, on your favourite web-site. Those collections of music supposedly designed to fit or create a mood or feeling. You know the ones. They all have titles like "Late Night Jazz Hits", or "Dinner Jazz", or "Relaxing Jazz". And you know exactly what's going to be on them - another version of "Girl from Ipanema", another version of "Summertime", another version of "Round Midnight" etc. etc. So with that in mind, you look at this album and you see an absolutely standard sax/piano/bass/drums quartet playing absolute standards like "The Shadow of Your Smile" and "Falling in Love with Love". My initial reaction was "heard it, been there, got it already". But just try listening. The performances are excellent with something that makes them all more than just wallpaper music. Don't get me wrong - it won't blow your socks off. There's nothing here to frighten non-jazz-loving friends if they DO come for dinner. But this album deserves to be listened to. By all means play it as pleasant 'mood' music if you wish. But at least once, do give it a chance and sit down and really listen to it. I think you'll find 4 musicians in complete command of their instruments and displaying great empathy for one another. Scott Hamilton does, I think, have to be the star of the show - his phrasing and expression is quite beautiful at times. Immaculate. Don't be put off by my giving it 4 out of 5 - I think only a very few true classics should be awarded the 'perfect 5' and if people were more rigourous we would see a lot more 2 and 3 star reviews. Have some good times with this album."

This is a cd that will please

02/20/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is another S.H. cd for me to add to the collection. It is,however more than just another cd. It is a cut above the average.For this cd Scott uses the great Dave McKenna to play the piano support. Dave goes a good job with this area. Also the other sidemen used were A ok. Scott provided his usual solid performance.The song selection for this cd was a good one. Most of the songs used were my favorites.If you like Scott and his sound, this cd is a must for you.Recommendation: But this cd and enjoy!"

Scott Hamilton and Dave McKenna!!

12/07/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Do you like the swinging tenor of Scott Hamilton? Get this CD, it has Mr. Dave McKenna on piano and it is a masterful session. I love it!"