The question I pose in my title becomes rhetorical as soon as Rebecca Kilgore, Paolo Alderighi, piano; Dan Barrett, trombone; Phil Flanigan, string bass, and Jeff Hamilton, drums, begin to play Gene Krupa’s DRUM BOOGIE at the 2014 Monterey Jazz Bash by the Bay —
During this set, a musician I know casually sat down behind me, tapped me on the shoulder while Jeff was elevating the proceedings even higher, and said with a grin, “Big Sid’s in the house.” Jeff Hamilton doesn’t imitate anyone, but he has Catlett’s beautiful sense of sound and space. And that’s not to ignore Becky, Dan, Paolo, and Phil — who make the rhythm romp as a matter of course. As for me, I’m still floating.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 