Jeff Hamilton (drummer)

Music career

Hamilton was born on August 4, 1953 in Richmond, Indiana and attended Indiana University. Starting in 1975, he was a member of Monty Alexander's Trio, then Woody Herman's Orchestra from 1977–1978. He was a member of the L.A. Four, with whom he made six albums. He co-leads the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Clayton and John Clayton. He also leads his own trio, with Christoph Luty on bass and Tamir Hendelman on piano.

Hamilton has worked with Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, the Count Basie Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, and Ray Brown. He toured with Diana Krall and has played on several of her albums.

Equipment

Hamilton was co-owner of Bosphorus Cymbals. He then started his own cymbal company, Crescent Cymbals, with Michael Vosbein, Bill Norman, and drummer Stanton Moore. Sabian bought out Crescent Cymbals and will be redistributing them through their "Hand-Hammered series." He also plays Remo drums and drum heads (Fiberskyn 3 Diplomat) and his signature Regal Tip sticks and brushes.

As leader

With the L.A. 4

As sideman

With Monty Alexander

With Ray Brown

With Diana Krall

With Scott Hamilton

With Rosemary Clooney

With Ernestine Anderson

With Gene Harris

With Michael Bublé

With others