Live From San Pedro

Recorded in 2017, Live From San Pedro is the second trio CD drummer Jeff Hamilton has recorded with pianist Tamir Hendelman since they hooked up 17 years ago. Their association also includes working with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. They’re joined here by bassist Christoph Luty in a program of mostly originals. The non-originals include a marvelously luxurious six-minute version of “Poinciana” that allows each musician a chance to demonstrate his talents. Hamilton’s spotlighted on “Hammer’s Tones,” a tune written for him on which he demonstrates his awesome brush work while Luty’s arco bowing introduces Hendelman’s gorgeous playing on an old standard, “I Have Dreamed.” These guys really know their onions, and after a fast romp through Thelonious Monk’s “In Walked Bud” and a brace of Hamilton originals, Hendelman gets a shot at his uptempo “Bennissimo,” a real flag-waver. But the CD’s highlight for me is “Gary, Indiana,” a sumptuous samba on which the trio—especially Hendelman—really cooks!