Scott Hamilton
Artist Personnel:
Scott Hamilton / Tenor Saxophone
Dave Frishberg / Piano
Dave Captein / Bass
Gary Hobbs / Drums
Scott Hamilton is one of the premier ‘mainstream’ saxophonists in jazz today. Known especially as a balladeer for his novel interpretations of standard tunes, Hamilton is clearly one of jazz’s most prolific recording artists, having appeared on 87 albums, including 45 as a leader and 14 others as a co-leader. He also has made 28 recordings as a special guest or sideman. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he came along at a time when the kind of jazz he loved — the small-group swing of such great stylists as Illinois Jacquet and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis — was out of fashion, and largely out of the public ear. Hamilton’s warm sound and impeccable phrasing were a rare commodity among young jazzmen at the time. Indeed, he is often credited as one of the players who has kept the Swing Era in jazz relevant in today’s market.
Hamilton, 58, who currently lives in Italy, last played in Portland in 2004, with pianist Dave Frishberg, at the Jazz Society of Oregon’s 20th annual “First Jazz” celebration at the Benson Hotel, which was part of the Portland Jazz Festival’s inaugural event. Now he returns, with Frishberg at his side again with an all-star Portland rhythm section.
