Scott Simmons Scott Simmons (2019)

Tenor-saxophonist Scott Hamilton has recorded so many records as a leader (this CD is his 27th for Concord so far) and been so consistent and unchanging through the years that it is difficult to describe any of his records as definitive. However this particular release is one of his stronger ones of recent times. Hamilton sounds quite inspired jamming on six standards, Blue Mitchell's "Blue Caper," two of Norman Simmons' originals and his own blues "Sugarchile" with a quintet consisting of the talented trombonist Joel Helleny, pianist Simmons, bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Chuck Riggs. Hamilton takes the title cut as a feature and duets with Simmons on a brief "Just A Gigolo;" otherwise the full group is heard on each song…

Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is in typically fine form on his third album as a leader for Concord. While Hamilton is equally skillful on ballads and hot stomps, cornetist Warren Vache sometimes takes a few too many chances on the uptempo material although one admires his brave attempts; he fares best on "Darn That Dream." Singer Sue Melikian sounds fine on two short vocals, but it is the instrumentals by the sextet (which includes guitarist Chris Flory and pianist Norman Simmons) that are most memorable.

The 10th episode of the Big City Bar is now coming to the stores with a "Best Of" after 7 years. The absolute highlights from 9 episodes as well as brand new bar and lounge material await our regular buyers and newcomers. Excellent songs by Sade, Mike Francis, Amy Winehouse and Grace Jones combine with novelties from e.g. Portugal. The Man and Bruno Mars.