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Jeff Hamilton
Originality is what versatile drummer Jeff Hamilton brings to the groups he
performs with and is one of the reasons why he is constantly in demand, whether
he is recording or performing with his trio, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, the
Clayton Brothers or co-leading the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Jeff's recording,
"It's Hamilton Time" (Lake Street Records), received enormous airplay
while reaching #5 on the Gavin national jazz radio chart. His trio's second
release, "Jeff Hamilton Trio-LIVE!" (MONS) was nominated by critics
for best jazz recording in Germany in 1997. The trio's second MONS release is
entitled, "Hands On". "Hamilton House-Live at Steamers"
(MONS) is the trio's 2000 release. As well as recording and performing throughout
the world, Jeff also teaches, arranges and composes.
Jeff has received rave reviews -- David Badham of Jazz Journal International
stated in his review of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra's release, Heart
and Soul (Capri): "This is one of the finest modern big band issues I've
heard...This is undoubtedly due to Jeff Hamilton, a most driving and technically
accomplished drummer." Jeff is an integral part of the Clayton Brothers
and Herb Wong stated in his review of their release, The Music (Capri), in JazzTimes:
"Always evident is...the colorful work of the rhythm section featuring...the
sensitivity and sizzle of Jeff Hamilton's seasoned drums." Leonard Feather
of the Los Angeles Times described Jeff and his work with Oscar Peterson as
"the L A-based drummer whose intelligent backing and spirited solo work
met Peterson's customarily high standards..."
Jeff grew up listening to his parent's big band records and at the age of eight
began playing drums along with Oscar Peterson records. He attended Indiana University
and later studied with John Avon Ohlen. Jeff was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy
Rich, Mel Lewis, "Philly" Joe Jones and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he
got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then
joined Lionel Hampton's 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. Jeff is currently touring with his own Trio,
the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Diana Krall.
In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Jeff has been on nearly 200
recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary
Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin,
Harry "Sweets" Edison, Keely Smith, Barney Kessel and Mark Murphy.
Jeff is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany. He also appeared
in Natalie Cole's Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable and an Oscar
Peterson documentary, Life In The Key Of Oscar.
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