558 - Jeff Hamilton: Falling in Love with Sound, Music vs. Drumming, Approaching Music with Joy & Humor

About this episode

Jeff Hamilton discusses his musical journey, influences, and the joy of approaching music with humor.

Jeff Hamilton attended Indiana University and later studied with John Von Ohlen. Hamilton 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 a position in the L.A.4. with Ray Brown, Bud Shank, and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded 6 albums with the L.A.4. From 1983-1987, he performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, and Monty Alexander. Hamilton began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March of 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1990-1995, he was also a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet w/Herb Ellis and Ray Brown. Hamilton has toured with his own trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and Diana Krall. The latest CHJO recording LA Treasures was nominated for a GRAMMY. Hamilton has been on more than 300 recordings…

People in this episode

Guest: Jeff Hamilton

Topics covered

• music
• drumming
• jazz
• performance
• influences
• recording
• humor

Keywords

• Jeff Hamilton
• drumming
• jazz
• music influences
• recording artist
• performance
• humor in music
• GRAMMY
• L.A.4
• Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Lionel Hampton’s Band, Monty Alexander Trio, Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, L.A.4, Ray Brown Trio, Oscar Peterson Quartet, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Modern Drummer

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