Scott Hamilton

by Scott Yanow When Scott Hamilton appeared in the mid-70s fully formed with an appealing swing style on tenor (mixing together Zoot Sims and Ben Webster), he caused a minor sensation, for few other young players during the fusion era were exploring pre-bop jazz at his high level. He began playing when he was 16 and developed quickly, moving to New York in 1976. Hamilton played with Benny Goodman in the late 70s, but he has mostly performed as a leader, sometimes sharing the spotlight with Warren Vache, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney, the Concord Jazz All-Stars, or George Weins Newport Jazz Festival All-Stars. Scott Hamilton, other than a few sessions for Famous Door and Progressive, has recorded a long string of dates for Concord that are notable for their consistency and solid swing.