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Release date February 7:   Scott Hamilton's Looking Back is a poignant celebration of a career spanning over five decades, released on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms. At 70, the American tenor saxophonist continues to champion the swing and mainstream jazz traditions with his signature warm tone, melodic phrasing, and deep connection to jazz's golden age. The album serves as a personal retrospective, with each track dedicated to influential musicians Hamilton collaborated with or admired, including Ruby Braff, Jimmie Rowles, Roy Eldridge, and Illinois Jacquet. Hamilton describes the project as a way to honor the giants who shaped his artistry. Reflecting on his journey, he expresses gratitude for knowing so many of his heroes, adding, "I might need to make another album or two!" Backed by his Scandinavian quartet--Jan Lundgren (piano), Hans Backenroth (bass), and Kristian Leth (drums)--Hamilton brings sophistication and emotional depth to each track. Whether it's the tender nostalgia of "Rockin' Chair" (for Roy Eldridge) or the vibrant swing of "On a Clear Day" (for Illinois Jacquet and Jo Jones), the album highlights Hamilton's ability to breathe fresh life into timeless material. A champion of classic jazz, Hamilton defied trends in the late '70s by drawing inspiration from swing-era legends like Ben Webster and Lester Young. Over the years, he has built a reputation as an innovator within the tradition, earning acclaim for his commitment to preserving and evolving jazz's foundational sounds. Looking Back is a 10-track journey that showcases Hamilton's rich musical history, crafted with the same top-tier musicianship he's displayed since his 1977 debut. For jazz enthusiasts, it's both a heartfelt tribute and a masterclass in timeless artistry.  

Contains the (to this point) last readily available recordings of Rollins pre-Bidge sabbatical. Very revealing, in that regardless of how much he may or may not have been thrown of by Coltrane ,(and Ornette) it shows that ultimately he took the time off because, in his words, he wasn't yet "good enough".  It's humbling to think about that, and at the time it must have seemed like a perverse notion, but comparing his playing before and after, it's clear to me what he was talking about. Still, there is some "in the zone" playing here. Not all but some. Some!

Next up: Disc 2: The Tallis Fantasia & A London Symphony (No. 2) / Boult, LPO (EMI)