Probably because they are based in So Cal, drum legend’s trio of bassist Jon Hamer and pianist Tamir Hendelman doesn’t get the accolades of East Coast teams, but what they lack in recognition today will eventually be appreciated by jazz fans attracted to style and substance over sensation.
Hamilton himself is a historic workshop on how to swing with class, suavely on the brushes on the uptown “Make Me Rainbows”, deftly bopping on the title piece and creating a nifty backbeat with Hamer on the bluesy “The Barn”. Hendelman is sublime and clear on “The Pond” and does a nice three legged race with Hamer on the hip “Big Dipper” while getting into a gospel mood as Hamer hands off the baton on the melodic “Bucket O’ Fat”. Not sensational in terms of attention getting, but in terms of quality.