Live from San Pedro

Recorded in January 2017, this is the second trio album drummer Jeff Hamilton has recorded with pianist Tamir Hendelman since they hooked up 17 years ago. Their association also includes working with the John Clayton-Jeff 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 playing introduces Hendelman’s gorgeous piano 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!