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Linley Hamilton: Making Other Arrangements
ByStrings provide a velveteen cushion for emotive solos by Hamilton, tenor saxophonist Brendan Doyle and alto saxophonist Ben Castle on the two contrasting ballads that open the albumArtie Butler's meltingly beautiful "Here's to Life," which became a signature tune for Shirley Hornand Freddie Hubbard's two-geared "Brigitte." As Hamilton acknowledged in a 2014 interview with All About Jazz, Hubbard was a seminal influence, although if anything the Irish trumpeter's playing here is more aligned with Wynton Marsalis, particularly the mellow Marsalis of the Standard Time... albums.
As fine a balladeer as any, Hamilton also possesses tremendous technical chops, though with rare exception this is an album less of pyrotechnic displays and more one of deep emotional connection to cherished songs. The trumpeter's uplifting tone on James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," his bluesy lyricism on David Foster's "After the Love Has Gone"with a Gershwins-esque string arrangement from pianist Cian Boylanand his passionate yet caressing interpretation of Abdullah Ibrahim's classic "Joan Capetown Flower" exemplify Hamilton's natural melodicism and his preference for heartfelt narrative over technical show.
However, it's the ensemble voicewith or without stringsthat makes for the album's success. Bassist David Redmond, drummer Guy Rickarby and Boylan provide a solid rhythmic bass, Nigel Clarke adds sparkling cameos on acoustic and electric guitar, while Doyle and Castle's every intervention injects brio. South Carolina-born, Lisburn-based R&B singer Dana Masters brings a helping of southern soul to Frank Golde/Peter Ivers' "Louisiana Sunday Afternoon," her powerful performance buoyed by strings, shimmering Hammond organ and vibrant jazz accompaniment. More of Masterwho sings regularly with Van Morrisonwould have been nice, but that, perhaps, is a whole other album.
Ivan Lins "Love Dance" and Michel Legrand's "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life" bring out the romantic in Hamiltonand some of his most persuasive playingwhile Maggie Doyle's "Carmel" rounds out the album in style, this cheery tune with strings and percolating percussing evoking 1960s Burt Bacharach.
Cian Boylan's savvy arrangements of these classic tunes is an important piece of the equation, setting up a platform for first-rate performances from all the musicians. Hamilton, however, is the driving force. As a bandleader and soloist par excellence Hamilton stamps his personality on every tune, making Making Other Arrangements a highpoint in his career. It's a beautifully crafted recording that should appeal to all those who appreciate a fine melody sincerely delivered.
Track Listing
Here’s To Life; Brigitte; Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight; After The Love Has Gone; Con Alma; Joan Capetown Flower; Love Dance; Louisiana Sunday Afternoon; What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life; Carmel.
Personnel
Linley Hamilton
trumpetLinley Hamilton: trumpet, flugelhorn; Ben Castle: woodwinds, saxophones; Brendan Doyle: woodwinds, saxophones; Cian Boylan: piano, Fender Rhodes, organ; Nigel Clarke: guitar; David Redmond: bass; Guy Rickarby: drums; Kenneth Rice: violin; Lynda O’Connor: violin; David O’Doherty: violin; Jane Hackett: violin; Paul O’Hanlon: violin; Louis Roden: violin; Denice Doyle: violin; Karla Vedres: viola; Nathan Sherman: viola; Karen Dervan: viola; Gerald Peregrine: cello; Paula Hughes: cello; Dana Masters: vocals (8).
Album information
Title: Making Other Arrangements | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Teddy D Records
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About Linley Hamilton
Instrument: Trumpet
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