On this episode of the Chiaroscuro Podcast, we explore the work and legacy of Scott Hamilton.
About the Artist
Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is one of the more ubiquitous figures in jazz. His recording career consists of more than 40 albums. A native of Rhode Island, he came to New York in 1976 at the age of 22. There, he soon began working with trumpet great Roy Eldridge, vocalist Anita O’Day, and pianist Hank Jones. The following year, he made his recording debut in a joint album with multiple reed-man Bob Wilber, with Hamilton’s own quartet. This album, Bob Wilber and The Scott Hamilton Quartet, released in 1977 on Chiaroscuro Records.
About the Music
On this episode of the Chiaroscuro Podcast, you’ll hear several tracks from the 1977 album Bob Wilber and The Scott Hamilton Quartet. Hamilton performs on tenor sax, with Wilber on clarinet. First, we hear an original by Bob Wilber called Riff, followed by Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Next, the Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne standard Time After Time. Finally, it’s a pair of Wilbur originals Jonathan’s Way and 144 West 54th. Hamilton’s group consists of Chris Flory on guitar, Phil Flanigan on bass and Chuck Riggs on drums.
Jazzspeak
One of the distinctive features of many Chiaroscuro CD releases is “Jazzspeak.” Jazzspeak is a track featuring the musicians talking about their music in their own words. Because Jazzspeak is an important part of the Chiaroscuro tradition, you’ll hear segments from Wilber and Hamilton’s Jazzspeak track in this episode. Hamilton and Wilbur recorded the studio album in 1977, but in 1993, at a jazz festival in Oslo, Norway, they recalled that Chiaroscuro session 16 years earlier.
About The Chiaroscuro Podcast
Chiaroscuro Director of Artistry & Repertoire George Graham produces and hosts The Chiaroscuro Podcast. Explore the works of Scott Hamilton, Bob Wilber, and other Chiaroscuro performers in our Artists Section. Check out other episodes of the Chiaroscuro Podcast here.
Chiaroscuro Records · The Chiaroscuro Podcast 07 – Scott Hamilton
