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A quarter century has rolled past and Hamilton stands firmly on a pedestal that has room for no others. Now in his 40s, he plays with confidence, blending the essence of swing with some cooler sounds from later years. The result, without question, makes him an essential player, to be heard as often as possible and appreciated for his astounding array of gifts.
Hamilton's latest album, "Jazz Signatures" (Concord Jazz) contains some of his best work in years. This session, also starring a superb trio of musicians backing him, contains the free flowing, relaxed yet urgent work that Hamilton's fans have come to expect. In this superb new CD, the combination of terrific backup musicians and 10 excellent songs spells magic.
The set opens with Billy Strayhorn's lovely "Rain check." John Bunch, a pianist whose contributions add spice to the album, stays firmly in the background most of the time, but does a quick solo here and there that seems perfect. Second comes "In Your Own Sweet Way," that droll little tune from the marvelous Dave Brubeck.
Heading back a few years to when swing was king is Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz." You'll want to head for the dance floor and try it out. A great name from the early days of bop, Tadd Dameron wrote "If You Could See Me Now," and it's a dandy in the hands of Hamilton.
Drummer Denzil Best, another excellent musician from the old days (he worked with many of the best, including George Shearing, Artie Shaw and Erroll Garner,) composed "Move," which receives a spirited delivery by Hamilton and men. Saxophonist Don Byas apparently was one of Hamilton's favorite sax players and receives a tip of the hat from Hamilton with "Byas a Drink."
The superb honker Illinois Jacquet wrote "You Left Me All Alone" and Hamilton plays prettily for six minutes and five seconds. Another superb pianist, Hank Jones, wrote the ballad, "Angel Face." It's one of the disc's highlights. Benny Carter's delicious standard, "When Lights Are Low," sounds brand new with Hamilton's fresh approach. Last but decidedly not least is pianist John Bunch's heavenly "John's Bunch," an up-tempo rocker that will stir feet to one of those old swing dances. "Jazz Signatures" displays Scotty Hamilton at his finest, laid back and accomplished on the slow material, pulse climbing by those who prefer the hotter tunes.
The Ironic Tale of Jimmy Scott
Not many singers reach the apex of their career at age 75. One of the few remaining survivors of the jazz world in the '40s and '50s, Scott has been "rediscovered" and suddenly has a flourishing career in recordings and on the concert trail. It couldn't happen to a more deserving musician."Over the Rainbow" (Milestone Records) is the latest from Scott. To my aging ears, it's the best sounding and most satisfying album from his recent return to prominence. The man has a voice as rare as honesty in a politician. His huge vibrato comes into play frequently during these dozen tunes. But the Jimmy Scott vibrato is not the kind that will cause your ears to flap in distress. This man's vibrato is as welcome as a cardinal singing outside your bedroom window on a perfect Spring morning.
Scott apparently feels most at home with the slower tempos, so "Over the Rainbow" may seem a trifle too timid for some jazz ears. But my recommendation is that you keep playing the CD over and over, until that moment leaps out, that moment when you're suddenly convinced that Jimmy Scott is not only a special singer, he's practically a national treasure.
The selections include the title tune, which may send chills up spines of Garland fans, especially those who were certain that nobody else could approach the feeling that Scott does on "Over the Rainbow." Wow, oh gee, that one track, 3:48 minutes of heart-wrenching delight would be worth the price of the CD, even if the rest of the disc were blank.
The album opens with a sprightly version of "Pennies from Heaven." Then "All or Nothing at All" sounds like a keeper when given the Scott treatment. Few singers are willing to touch "Strange Fruit," which made such an endearing impression when sung by Billie Holiday. Scott tackles it with marvelous results. He seems fearless, yet keeping a comfortable space between himself and Holiday.
Various combinations of back-up musicians play behind Scott, including George Mraz on bass, Bob Kindred on tenor sax, and Grady Tate at the drums. One of the highlights is "I've Got It Bad and That Ain't Good," cut down to the essentials with Scott's voice and the piano accompaniment of Michael Kanan.
If you're looking for a special treat, "Over the Rainbow" could well turn out to be one of your most listened-to albums. It's wonderful!
Choice World Albums
The times arrive when jazz doesn't quite fill your needs. There's no intention to pack the jazz CDs away. Nothing like that. But when your ears yearn for something different, world music can be the magic remedy to all that ails your nerve ends.
Let me recommend several new albums from the dependable New Earth Records. As I write this, my ears are being caressed by the solemn but stirring music of a group called Tya (an aboriginal word meaning "the earth" The group's leader, Martin Scherl, writes in the album notes that the inspiration for the album came "from a stay in Australia and a deep experience of the Aboriginal culture." [Hear a RealAudio clip of Tya's music by following the link.]
The music may transport you to other dimensions, as it did me. It's so refreshing to come across music that's different yet soothing to one's nervous system. Not quite so ethereal, James Asher plays drums with a deft touch in "Feet in the Soil Vol. 2." The original release was a worldwide bestseller, according to the record company.
There are voices and other instruments involved here, so don't expect nothing but drums. This is musical, especially with the intriguing sounds produced by the Australian instrument known as the didgeridoo. You'll find yourself smiling as you listen to these calming compositions paying tribute to Africa.
If you've ever been hypnotized, you may have learned how much music can play a role in a successful session. C.G. Deuter has been making music for healing and mediation for the past 25 years. His new album, "Wind & Mountain," simply must be labeled beautiful. With all the music produced by Deuter, then skillfully combined to make the final product that should provide the listener with many hours of relaxation. This sort of thing often is called New Age, but no matter the designation, it's quite charming.
