Album: Scott Hamilton / Alan Barnes, Hi-Ya (Woodville)
Mainstream jazz gets a bad rep as undemanding pipe-and-slippers music but it has become a valuable medium for players who really know what to do with a good melody.
The theme here is quintet versions of tunes associated with Ellington's alto-man Johnny Hodges, with the super-smooth US tenorist Hamilton partnered by the superbly pliant Barnes on alto and baritone, plus Dave Newton on piano. My favourite number is the rarely recorded "Candy", whose phrases H&B make into a tender, weeping lament.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies