Midnight at Nola's Penthouse

by Scott Hamilton, Rossano Sportiello

Overview

Scott Hamilton emerged in the mid-'70s as a player who had a gift for creating a lush, swinging sound, regardless of the tempo or style. His partner on this 2010 studio session, Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello, is two decades younger, but the perfect partner. Their program includes a mix of standards and lesser-known songs, all played with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of beauty. "A Garden in the Rain" isn't the first ballad one would expect a jazz duo to choose, but the lush interpretation here could launch others into investigating its potential. Hamilton's boisterous playing is boosted by Sportiello's driving accompaniment, with the influence of the late Dave McKenna apparent. "Big Butter and Egg Man" is rarely played outside of traditional jazz/New Orleans jazz, but their brisk, lyrical interpretation should open some ears. They also sizzle with their driving rendition of "All God's Chillun' Got Rhythm," with plenty of fireworks as they trade the lead. This rewarding date deserves a follow-up meeting. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	02/08/2011
Label:	Arbors Records
UPC:	0780941141528
Rank:	97812

Tracks

1. Wonder Why
2. A Garden in the Rain
3. This Can't Be Love
4. A Time for Love
5. Come Back to Sorrento
6. All My Tomorrows
7. Big Butter and Egg Man
8. It's All in Your Mind
9. All God's Chillun' Got Rhythm
10. In the Middle of a Kiss

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Rossano Sportiello   Primary Artist
Scott Hamilton   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Johnny Mandel   Composer
Lorenz Hart   Composer
Louis Armstrong   Composer
Sam Coslow   Composer
James Van Heusen   Composer
Percy Venable   Composer
Bronislaw Kaper   Composer
Gus Kahn   Composer
Charles La Vere   Composer
Paul Francis Webster   Composer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Sammy Cahn   Composer
James Dyrenforth   Composer
Ernesto de Curtis   Composer
Walter Jermann   Composer
Nicholas Brodszky   Composer
Carroll Gibbons   Composer