Jeff Hamilton Trio

Jeff Hamilton Trio
Rim Shots
Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Jeff Hamilton, Leader/Drummer
Born in Richmond, Indiana, Jeff Hamilton grew up listening to his parent’s big band records and at the age of eight began playing drums along with Oscar Peterson records. He attended Indiana University and later studied with John Avon Ohlen. Jeff 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 the position vacated by Shelly Manne in the L.A.4 with Ray Brown, Bud Shank and Laurindo Almeida. He recorded six records with the L.A.4, some of which featured his own arrangements and compositions. From 1983 to 1987, Jeff performed with Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney and Monty Alexander. Jeff began his association with the Ray Brown Trio in 1988 and left in March 1995 to concentrate on his own trio. From 1999-2001, the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra was named the in-residence ensemble for the Hollywood Bowl Jazz series. The Los Angeles Jazz Society named Jeff and his musical partner, John Clayton, musicians of the year for 2006. Jeff is currently touring with his own Trio, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Diana Krall.

In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Jeff has been on nearly 200 recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Tormé, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akioshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel and Mark Murphy. Jeff is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany. He also appeared in Natalie Cole’s Great Performances PBS special, Unforgettable and an Oscar Peterson documentary, Life in the Key of Oscar.  Learn more about Jeff at http://jeffhamiltonjazz.com/

Tamir Hendelman, Pianist
The award-winning jazz pianist has performed with Teddy Edwards, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Harry Allen, Tierney Sutton, Phil Upchurch, Jeff Clayton, Rickey Woodard, Sandra Booker, Barbara Morrison and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded with Oscar Brashear, Bob Sheppard and Jeff Clayton. He can also be heard on Brasil Brazil’s self-titled 1999 release as well as vibraphonist’s Eldad Tarmu’s CD, Aluminum Forest. In demand as both a pianist and arranger, his accomplishments include: receiving awards from ASCAP and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, musical director for Lovewell Institute for Creative Arts and clinician for the Thelonious Monk Institute. In March of 2000, Tamir joined the Jeff Hamilton Trio and in January of 2001, became the pianist with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He was a recent guest soloist with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. Learn more about Tamir at www.tamirhendelman.com 

Jon Hamar, Bass 
Jon is a very versatile artist with a tasteful, unique voice that has made him a staple in the music scene.  In the early 2000’s he relocated to the Seattle, WA area, where he has been in high demand as a freelance artist.  In addition to performing, Jon has served on the faculty of the Centrum Jazz Workshop, Central Washington University, Northwest University and Edmonds Community College, as well as maintaining a private studio. In 2015 he joined the faculty of the Natalie Haslam School of Music at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.

Please Note: Individual tickets will be available at the Broward Center on September 1