A project long in the making,
Across the Tracks finds tenor saxophonist
Scott Hamilton pairing with journeyman blues guitarist
Duke Robillard for a set of burnished lesser-known standards, ballads, and blues. As Rhode Island natives,
Hamilton and
Robillard crossed paths early on in their careers, with the younger
Hamilton drawing inspiration for his own straight-ahead jazz from
Robillard's brand of vintage swing, blues, and R&B. Subsequently,
Hamilton cut out a niche for himself in the '70s playing swinging acoustic standards and ballads while many jazz musicians were focused on the electric fusion sound. Although the pair have recorded together over the years,
Across the Tracks is the first full-length album they've done together. Joining them here are such longtime bandmates as drummer
Chuck Riggs, baritone saxophonist
Doug James, and Pittsburgh native organist
Gene Ludwig. Recorded by the legendary
Rudy Van Gelder at the famous Van Gelder Studios in Englewood, NJ,
Across the Tracks is easily the bluesiest album
Hamilton has done in his career and a warm, earthy vibe permeates the whole proceedings. ~ Matt Collar