Trumpeter, composer, broadcaster and promoter Linley Hamilton is a stalwart of the jazz scene in Northern Ireland; a highly respected and accomplished musician in his own right, he is equally well known for championing the cause of the music wherever it’s called for.
He also has the ability to attract name musicians to his home, Magy’s Farm in County Down. There he puts on concerts for, in many cases, those who did not realise they actually might like jazz. After conversations with Mark Egan and Adam Nussbaum he had little problem in persuading them to join him for the recording date that produced Ginger’s Hollow, done in Dublin. He was also joined by two of his close friends in Derek ‘Doc’ O’Connor and Cian Boylan, who meshed nicely with the visiting Americans.
These musicians first came together in the studio on For The Record, recorded in 2020. This latest release carries on the good work from its predecessor, offering solid, listenable music of. The material, all supplied by the leader, offers various moods, in styles ranging from straightahead swing to a touch of funk. There is a slightly old-fashioned feel to some of the harmonies and melodies, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
Hamilton has a naturally lyrical bent, which balances nicely with the slightly more aggressive stance of O’Connor and the lively keyboard work of Boylan. It goes without saying that the bass player and drummer are not exactly a let-down.
Discography
Shinebox; Sunday Morning; Stonky; Ginger’s Hollow; Place At The Ace; Jason’s Dream; Lost In The Crowd; Watch Those Eyes (47.26)
Hamilton (t); Derek O’Connor (ts); Cian Boylan (p, org, elp); Mark Egan (b); Adam Nussbaum (d). Dublin, 1-3 May 2020.
Whirlwind Recordings WR4808
