SCOTT HAMILTON QUARTET - Danish Ballads... & More
Stunt Records STUCD
Scott Hamilton ( tnr ) Jan Lundgren ( pno ) Hans Backenroth ( bass ) Kristen Leith ( drs )
Recorded Gothenburg Sweden , November 2018
Scott Hamilton has been recording since 1977 and over the following years he has grown from strength to strength until he has now reached a point where it is now difficult to see where here is room for further improvement. His improvising skills are such that each phrase he plays complements the previous one and the melodic content of his inventive solos are second to none.
On this album he is accompanied by a trio that is both supportive and inventive, Jan Lundgren is possibly one of the best pianists to be heard playing outside the United States.
On the face of it the choice of material may appear a little restrictive but Scott has the ability to make feeling by Scott and includes a spot on piano solo by Jan Lundgren.
“Dance Song” is just what the title suggests and you don’t have to stretch the imagination to picture a couple swirling round the dance floor. Peggy Lee had some success with a vocal version of “Alley Cat” and it translates well to a purely improvised jazz vehicle.
The traditional song with an English title “On A Saturday Night “ sounds very much in the Folk Tradition and Scott approaches in that type of style and brings out the best in the song. Pianist Jan Lundgren opens the solo order on “Take It Easy” which paves the way for Scott’s lightly swinging solo which is full of interesting ideas.
There are many Scott Hamilton albums that are currently available but this one is as good as any on the market, he is playing in his favourite quartet setting which enables him to stretch out without having to consider any other front line players, the material he is working with is fresh and not over played which means he is unable to coast and employ favourite licks.
This is Scott Hamilton playing in full flow with a wealth of ideas and backed by a good solid rhythm section there can’t be many tenor players around that can maintain this standard of excellence throughout an entire album.
I would recommend this release to any lover of straight ahead tenor playing and a passion for well played ballads that do more than just play the melody with slight deviations, on any album Scott records there is always something which makes you sit up and take notice.
Reviewed by Roy Booth
Stunt Records STUCD
Scott Hamilton ( tnr ) Jan Lundgren ( pno ) Hans Backenroth ( bass ) Kristen Leith ( drs )
Recorded Gothenburg Sweden , November 2018
Scott Hamilton has been recording since 1977 and over the following years he has grown from strength to strength until he has now reached a point where it is now difficult to see where here is room for further improvement. His improvising skills are such that each phrase he plays complements the previous one and the melodic content of his inventive solos are second to none.
On this album he is accompanied by a trio that is both supportive and inventive, Jan Lundgren is possibly one of the best pianists to be heard playing outside the United States.
On the face of it the choice of material may appear a little restrictive but Scott has the ability to make feeling by Scott and includes a spot on piano solo by Jan Lundgren.
“Dance Song” is just what the title suggests and you don’t have to stretch the imagination to picture a couple swirling round the dance floor. Peggy Lee had some success with a vocal version of “Alley Cat” and it translates well to a purely improvised jazz vehicle.
The traditional song with an English title “On A Saturday Night “ sounds very much in the Folk Tradition and Scott approaches in that type of style and brings out the best in the song. Pianist Jan Lundgren opens the solo order on “Take It Easy” which paves the way for Scott’s lightly swinging solo which is full of interesting ideas.
There are many Scott Hamilton albums that are currently available but this one is as good as any on the market, he is playing in his favourite quartet setting which enables him to stretch out without having to consider any other front line players, the material he is working with is fresh and not over played which means he is unable to coast and employ favourite licks.
This is Scott Hamilton playing in full flow with a wealth of ideas and backed by a good solid rhythm section there can’t be many tenor players around that can maintain this standard of excellence throughout an entire album.
I would recommend this release to any lover of straight ahead tenor playing and a passion for well played ballads that do more than just play the melody with slight deviations, on any album Scott records there is always something which makes you sit up and take notice.
Reviewed by Roy Booth
