Jeff Hamilton knows that he’s lucky. Either as a band member or a sub, he’s worked in such coveted situations as the Woody Herman big band, the Monty Alexander trio, the Count Basie Orchestra (in November, 1984, after Basie’s death), and the L.A. 4. He’s even led his own band, which recorded its own album. He’s one of the fortunate few. Most jazz musicians complain that they can’t make a living playing the music they love, so they are forced to play something else. For Jeff, jazz is the only kind of music he’s had to play or will play. A friend of mine described Jeff as a no-nonsense player, a straight shooter as a person, and an individual with strong confidence. That is an accurate description. He gives the music the kick in the butt it needs, laying back when necessary and being aggressive when called for. He knows […]

July 1986 Issue