Scott Hamilton Live At Jamboree

The 25th Scott Hamilton Concord album does not break any new ground (Hamilton's style was essentially fully formed from the start), but it is up to his usual level. Playing in Wales with a British rhythm section (pianist Brian Lemon, bassist Dave Green and drummer Allan Ganley), Hamilton sounds fine on such tunes as "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "Fascinatin' Rhythm" and his own "Blue Wales." Solid mainstream swing.

Tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton's debut for Concord alerted the jazz world to the young swing stylist and predated Wynton Marsalis' first record (and the emergence of the Young Lions) by a couple years. Hamilton, who mixed together Zoot Sims and Ben Webster to form his own recognizable tone, already sounded in prime form for this set. Teamed up with trumpeter Bill Berry, pianist Nat Pierce, bassist Monty Budwig, and drummer Jake Hanna, Hamilton essentially launched the revival of mainstream jazz with this record. Highlights include "Indiana," "Stuffy," "Broadway," and "Blue Room," but all eight selections are quite enjoyable.

This matchup by pianist Gene Harris and tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, in a quintet that also includes guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Harold Jones, is fun although it does not reach the excitement level one might expect. The ballads work best, while the stomps never really catch fire or explode. Harris and Hamilton always play at a high level, but their collaboration falls short of being the expected classic despite some good moments.