Jeff Hamilton (b-1953)
Jeff Hamilton is my favorite all around drummer. He plays great in a trio or big band. Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa demonstrated that talent. Jeff’s name and face started popping up on record and CD jackets in the late 70s early 80s. The L. A. 4 and Monty Alexander projects were the first to hit my radar.
I saw and heard him at The University of South Florida. (Mid 80s) It was a very casual drum clinic…early in the morning. I don’t recall any manufacturer sponsorship of this event. It was a master class in drumming and playing brushes. This was before Youtube.
I had zero - clue what to expect. It was very intimate and educational. His brush and stick playing was beautiful. Since then, today in 2023+ I’m very aware of his discography with Woody Herman, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and Diana Krall.
I love his small 4-piece kit sound. When he was playing Remo with the Bosphorus Cymbals…he reinvented a classic sound. Tonality and resonance came alive with his style and technique. Jeff Hamilton and Ed Thigpen are brilliant drummers in the classic acoustic trio tradition. Like Ed Thigpen, I’ve discovered Jeff’s hand playing on the kit.
Others I admire are Bobby Rosengarden, Ed Thigpen, John Bonham, Papa Joe Jones, Ari Hoenig, Han Bennink and Joe Morello.