BIRTHDAY WISHES: Jeff Hamilton was born on August 4, 1953 in Richmond, Indiana. Originality is what versatile jazz drummer Jeff Hamilton consistently brings to the groups he performs with and is one of the reasons why he is constantly in demand. As well as recording and performing throughout the world, Jeff also teaches, arranges and composes. Jeff grew up listening to his parents big band records and at the age of eight began playing drums along with Oscar Peterson records. Jeffs early influences included Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, Philly Joe Jones and Shelly Manne. He attended Indiana University and later studied with John Avon Ohlen. In 1974, Jeff got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then joined Lionel Hamptons Band until 1975 when he, along with bassist John Clayton, became members of the Monty Alexander Trio. He attained a childhood goal in 1977 when he joined Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, with whom he made several recordings. In 1978, he was offered the position vacated by Shelly Manne in the L.A. 4 with Ray Brown, Bud Shank and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded six records with the L.A. 4, some of which featured his own arrangements and compositions. From 1983 to 1987, Jeff performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney and Monty Alexander. Jeff began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1999-2001, the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra was named the in-residence ensemble for the Hollywood Bowl Jazz series. The Los Angeles Jazz Society named Jeff and his musical partner, John Clayton, musicians of the year for 2006. Jeff also held the drum chair for a number of years with jazz pianist and vocalist Diana Krall. In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Jeff has been on nearly 200 recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akioshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry Sweets Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Wilford Brimley, Barney Kessel and Mark Murphy. Jeff is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany. He also appeared in Natalie Coles Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable, and in the Oscar Peterson documentary, Life In The Key Of Oscar. Jeff is also a co-owner of the Crescent Cymbal company along with Michael Vosbein, Bill Norman and Galactic drummer Stanton Moore. Hes developed signature Regal Tip drumsticks sticks and brushes, his own signature line of Crescent Cymbals named the Hammer Series, and plays a Remo signature kit. Jeff is currently touring with his own Trio as well as the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. (Photos) One of Jeff Hamiltons many visits to Vics Backstage @ Bottom Lounge in Chicago - L to R Vic, Gil Sharone, and Jeff Hamilton following Gils show with Stolen Babies. Vic reunited Gil with his former instructor, Jeff! Jeff Hamilton Action Figure - While every drummer would like to have his or her own action figure, not every drummer deserves one. Hammer certainly does!
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 13:45:39 +0000
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