Customer Reviews

From Studio 4

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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I've been a fan of this incarnation of the Jeff Hamilton Trio for a few years now and anxiously awaited the release of this new CD. Being very fond of their "The Best Things Happen..." disc and a pragmatist by nature, I figured I'd better not get my hopes up. I usually hate being wrong but in this case I was delighted. This CD is a must-have for any straight-ahead jazz fan.

This trio performing live is a textbook example of how a rhythm trio should play, and once again Jeff, Tamir and Christoph capture that live energy, spirit and continuity on a recording that's so organic and pure you feel like you're in the room with them. My personal highlights include "I've Never Been In Love Before" - euphoric with a great big fat bass melody; "A Felicidade" - with hand percussion so earnest and intense you'll hold your breath so you don't interrupt it, and a rendition of "Too Close For Comfort" with a chorus that swings so hard that if you can sit still when it's on I urge you to seek medical attention immediately.

Jeff's trio reminds me of alot the Oscar Peterson trio formats of the past. The arranging is superb,and full of ingenious harmonic and rhythmic twists. One creative idea after another pops out at you throughout the whole set. Jobim's 'A Felicidade', Lulluby of the Leaves', and 'Moonglow',are virtual masterclasses in piano trio arranging.Hamilton,a class act,as always, burns 'both ends'on "Too Close For Comfort".Hat's off to The Jeff Hamilton Trio. I hope Oscar gets a chance to hear this CD. He would be very proud of these guys.
Brian Fitzpatrick

Ohmygoodness, this is beautiful jazz. This trio just captures each tune they play and sets it apart in a frame and makes it sound new and fresh and unique. This is one fabulous jazz trio and we have fallen in love with their music in our house, having recently seen them live in concert and then buying several of their CDs. I'm back here today to buy another copy of this CD to give as a gift, as well as additional copies of others of their CDs. They are really good and I hope they become "legendary" like the other jazz greats we love, because they most assuredly deserve to be legendary - legends in their own time. Man, they're good. This CD is beautiful, just beautiful. I'm really grateful that the Jeff Hamilton Trio got together and makes music and we can all hear it! Am looking forward to whatever other CDs they put out. Each member of this trio just seems to be the prototype of great jazz musician - listen to each and they are extraordinary, listen to them as 'one' and they are extraordinary. So happy they are making music. Buy this CD, and their others, too; you'll be glad you did. Go see them live, too. They're very special!

I just saw these guys live @Steamers tonight the arraingments are great. This might be the best Jazz Trio today. They are tight. Oscar and Ray would be proud.

As with most Hendleman/Hamilton collaborations, raw talent trumps song selection. In fact song selection is not at issue as the trio could do Chopsticks and make you like it, with inimitable interpretation. Hendleman is without peer on jazz piano. The only true standout since Bill Evans, but clearly with a unique style. Standards live on when in the right hands, well mixed with other selections. Yano is bluesy with a nice overlay of pulse. Never Been in Love Before offers some nice counterpointing between piano and bass. Hendleman's left hand marches through the bridge with some great chording. Luty is clearly among the best as evidenced here with clean, inteligent solos. Felicidade has a haunting, melancholic melody lightened with a couple of cute nods to past Brazillian jazz. Luty strums the bass classicly guitar-like. So Many Stars is lovely, however, the original Brizil 66, with Lanni Hall's imperfect perfection filling the heart, holds a special place in memory. Moonglow is interesting with its half beat delays teasing the listener. And lastly Second Street Samba should come with a disclaimer: "Do not play this piece while driving." Impossible not to want to dance. A fitting final tribute here for Jeff Hamilton. His trio, but clearly understands the contribution of each of its members. Never overpowering. Tasteful solos and the dependable glue that makes the group cohesive.

I saw Jeff and his group when they were on Tour promoting this album. Unfortunately, FedEx could not keep up with them and they found themselves out of CDs to sell, but I got it here and it's incredible.