Sept. 24: Jeff Hamilton Trio

Jeff Hamilton Trio

Jeff's unmistakable swing has powered the bands of Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Monty Alexander, Ray Brown and Diana Krall for decades, and he is co-leader of the world-renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

Hosted by Dominick Farinacci

Jeff Hamilton - Drums | Tadataka Unno - Piano | Jon Hamar - Bass

Jeff Hamilton first came to prominence in the late 1970s as a member of the Woody Herman Orchestra and later the Monty Alexander Trio. His work with vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and pianist Tommy Flanagan further cemented his reputation as a drummer who could seamlessly blend power, finesse, and deep swing. In the early 1980s, Hamilton joined the celebrated trio of pianist Gene Harris and later became a founding member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra alongside bassist John Clayton and saxophonist Jeff Clayton. The big band has since become one of the most respected large ensembles in jazz, known for its precision, groove, and joyful energy—much of it driven by Hamilton’s drumming.

Throughout his career, Hamilton has appeared on more than 300 recordings, collaborating with a long list of jazz greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Rosemary Clooney, and Natalie Cole. His drumming on Cole’s multi-platinum Unforgettable… With Love remains one of the most recognized recordings in jazz and pop crossover history. Hamilton’s ability to adapt to different settings while always maintaining his own musical identity has made him one of the most respected drummers across genres.

As a bandleader, Hamilton has led his own acclaimed Jeff Hamilton Trio, featuring pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Jon Hamar (previously Christoph Luty). The trio has released numerous albums that showcase Hamilton’s deft touch and swinging sensibility, including It’s Hamilton Time, The Best Things Happen at Midnight, and Symbiosis. His trio is celebrated for its modern approach to the piano trio format, blending rich tradition with fresh interpretations and an unmistakable chemistry that highlights Hamilton’s role as both a rhythmic anchor and melodic voice.

In addition to his performing career, Hamilton is a dedicated educator and mentor. He has conducted clinics and masterclasses worldwide, inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians with his emphasis on groove, listening, and ensemble playing. His teaching reflects the same values that define his artistry: respect for the tradition of jazz, a commitment to musical integrity, and an openness to creative growth.

Jeff Hamilton’s contributions to jazz have solidified his place as a master drummer and bandleader whose artistry continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the globe. Whether driving a big band, guiding a trio with subtlety, or accompanying some of the world’s greatest vocalists, Hamilton’s drumming embodies the essence of swing and the spirit of jazz.

Tadataka Unno - PIANO

Tadataka Unno, born 1980 in Tokyo, Japan, is a distinguished jazz pianist with an expressive style. He began playing piano at age four and discovered jazz at age nine. Unno studied at Tokyo University of the Arts and was an active member of the Tokyo jazz scene. In 2008, he moved to New York and quickly earned the respect of prominent jazz figures. He became a favorite of jazz legends like Hank Jones, Frank Wess and Jimmy Cobb. Notably, he was the first and only regular Japanese member of the Jimmy Cobb Trio and the Roy Hargrove Quintet.

He has performed with John Pizzarelli, Jimmy Heath, Sadao Watanabe, Houston Person, Frank Wes, Clifton Anderson, Jazzmeia Horn, Winard Harper, Russel Malone, and other jazz greats.

Tadataka was featured in the 2021 NHK Special, “This Wonderful World” and in March 2022, he released “Get My Mojo Back” on Verve Records. It received widespread acclaim as one of Japan’s best-selling jazz albums of the year. In 2025, Jeff Hamilton invited him to join his trio.

Jon Hammar - BASS

Jon Hamar is a versatile artist whose ability to find a tasteful, unique voice in any musical situation has made him a staple in the music scene. Hamar’s work ethic and discipline have kept him busy over his career that spans more than twenty years.

Jon was born and raised in Kennewick, Washington and grew up in a musical family. He began playing the string bass at age 11 and continued through public school playing in orchestra, jazz band and the local youth symphony.

Jon earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Double Bass Performance from Eastern Washington University under the tutelage of Russian bassist Roma Vayspapir. While in Spokane Hamar played in University ensembles as well as the Spokane Symphony and the Bob Curnow Big Band. Hamar continued on to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York where he graduated with a Master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media in 2001. While at Eastman Jon studied the bass with Jeff Campbell and James VanDemark and worked closely with Harold Danko, Fred Sturm and Clay Jenkins.

Jon has performed with Ernestine Anderson, Benny Golson, Terell Stafford, Pete Christlieb the Jeff Hamilton Trio, the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

In 2012 Jon joined the faculty at the Centrum Jazz Workshop under Artistic Director John Clayton and in 2015 joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee. Hamar is currently Assistant Professor of Bass at the Nathalie L. Haslam School of Music in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Jon began performing with the Jeff Hamilton Trio in July of 2018 and recently toured Europe with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton featuring renowned vocalist Cecil McLaren Salvant.