Scott Hamilton - After Hours (1997) REPOST

When I read the liner notes prior to listening, I was surprised at how much print went to Tommy Flanagan rather than Hamilton (though I've heard Flanagan before and was much pleased). Then I heard the CD and understood. I wouldn't say Flanagan upstages Hamilton (wouldn't be his style and can't be done anyway), but this CD is the best pairing of Hamilton and a pianist on the planet. The title "After Hours" suggests a laid-back, relaxed collection of jazz–sorry, folks, not to be. This is the tightest band you'll ever hear (Lewis Nash and Bob Cranshaw are wonderful too). Tommy Flanagan's superb arranging skills are everywhere, and what a piano. There is no weak song here, but way ahead of the pack is "Black Velvet," written by Jimmy Mundy and Al Stillman. On it you'll hear Tommy Flanagan's delightful piano runs (the best are in the lower range) and Hamilton's great love of the sax. I don't know if the song's arranger is Flanagan or Mundy (one of Benny Goodman's greatest arrangers); I'm guessing it's both. One other thing: I keep seeing mention of Scott Hamilton's music as great "mood" music, great for candlelight and cuddling with your honey. Make no mistake, no Scott Hamilton recording is "101 Strings," nor is it background music. This is music where you stop what you're doing, I mean stop everything. Sit and listen to every sound or you'll miss the good stuff. And unless your honey's listening as intently, say to him/her, "Hold on, have to hear this; I'll be back." ~Amazon

Track listing
01. Beyond The Bluebird (8:14)
02. Woody 'N' You (5:46)
03. Blues In My Heart (6:26)
04. Bye Bye Blues (7:27)
05. What's New (5:56)
06. You're Not The Kind (5:49)
07. Black Velvet (7:01)
08. How Am I To Know (7:49)
09. Some Other Spring (4:47)
10. Steeplechase (5:46)
~ (65:01)



Thx to Pablosam