Scott Hamilton - Looking Back (2024)

70-year-old American tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton can reflect on a rich and rewarding career with pride and humility. In choosing the material for his new album, Looking Back, he's drawn inspiration from several musicians he has collaborated with over the years - a 'who's who' of jazz.
If there was any more room for songs on the release, there would also be selections dedicated to Al Cohn, Gerry Wiggins, Benny Goodman, Flip Phillips, Ed Bickert, Arnett Cobb, Zoot Sims, Benny Carter, Hank Jones, Woody Herman, Jake Hanna, and many more. 'I'm lucky to have known so many of my heroes,' Hamilton shares. 'So many, in fact, I might need to make another album or two!'
In the late '70s and early '80s, a younger Scott Hamilton faced some skepticism as he didn't follow in the footsteps of the so-called modernist masters of that time. Instead, he found inspiration in older jazz giants. Over the years, however, it became clear that he was special - an earnest musician who could build on the classic virtues of jazz with his unique musical voice and personality. While the jazz world was compulsively experimenting, Hamilton chose a different direction, drawing inspiration from greats like Ben Webster, Lester Young, and Coleman Hawkins, and quickly became recognized as an innovator in those traditions. His rich, warm tone and melodic playing harkens back to the golden age of swing, evoking a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the timeless quality of his music. Hamilton has remained true to his roots throughout his career, becoming one of the most prominent representatives of the swing and mainstream jazz legacies. With a mature perspective, he calmly exudes confidence through sophisticated phrasing, regularly breathing new life into even the most well-established musical material. And that's what listeners can look forward to on this latest album.
Since his debut recording as a leader in 1977, Hamilton has released numerous albums on labels of all sizes while working with international and local performers of the highest esteem. He has formed an informal partnership with Danish label Stunt Records, for whom he has recorded five critically acclaimed releases. Of these, 2013's Swedish Ballads and 2017's Danish Ballads feature Nordic repertoires and have attracted much-deserved attention.
On Looking Back, as well as on three previous Stunt releases, he collaborated with the same top-shelf musicians who fill out his regular Scandinavian quartet on tours: Swedes Jan Lundgren on piano and Hans Backenroth on bass and Danish drummer Kristian Leth. Hamilton describes them as 'indispensable,' highlighting that 'few musicians have the imagination and experience to transform unusual material and make it sound like jazz.' This continued collaboration adds a unique depth and richness to the album, making it a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts.

TRACKLIST

1. Scott Hamilton - I've Grown Accustomed to her Face
2. Scott Hamilton - The Maids of Cadiz
3. Scott Hamilton - Beyond the Bluebird
4. Scott Hamilton - Big Tate
5. Scott Hamilton - Rockin' Chair
6. Scott Hamilton - Noblesse
7. Scott Hamilton - Tune Up
8. Scott Hamilton - Hey There
9. Scott Hamilton - Shadowland
10. Scott Hamilton - On a Clear Day