Hamilton, Scott

Hamilton, Scott, jazz tenor saxophonist; b. Providence, R.I., Sept. 12, 1954. He is a traditionalist who recalls Ben Webster, Flip Phillips, and others, but plays with such authenticity that one forgets the comparisons. He was influenced by his father’s record collection. He played harmonica, then took up the tenor sax at 16 and formed a quartet at 18 with which he still plays: Chuck Riggs (drums), Chris Flory (guitar) and Phil Flanigan (bass); sometimes John Bunch played piano. He became famous in New England circles in the 1970s, then moved to N.Y in 1976. That year he met a frequent collaborator, cornetist Warren Vache, in a club. He was also recommended to Benny Goodman by Bunch, and worked with Goodman until 1978; he worked again briefly with Goodman in 1982. His tenure with Goodman led to a contract with Concord Records and a stint with the Concord All-Stars (1978–82), and widespread publicity that touted him as leader of a swing revival. From 1982-88 he worked with Ruby Braff, while also leading his own quintet. In the 1990s he has had a much lower profile.

Discography

Good Wind Who Is Blowing Us No III (1977); Back to Back (1978); With S.’s Band in N.Y. (1978); S.H. (1978); S.H. 2 (1978); Grand Appearance (1978); Skyscrapers (1979); Tenorshoes (1979); S.’s Buddy (1980); Apples & Oranges (1981); Close Up (1982); Second Set (1983); S.H. Quintet in Concert (1983); A First (1985); Major League (1986); Right Time (1986); S.H. Plays Ballads (1989); Radio City (1990); At Last (1991); With Strings (1992); Groovin’High (1992); East of the Sun (1993); Organic Duke (1994); Live at the Beacon Jazz Festival (1995), My Romance (1995); After Hours (1997); Christmas Love Song (1997); Red Door: Remember Zoot Sims (1998); Blues Bop & Ballads (1999); Late Night Christmas Eve (2000).

—Music Master Jazz and Blues Catalogue/Lewis Porter