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ART OF JAZZ: The Jeff Hamilton Trio
Join us for a historic afternoon of jazz at the Art of Jazz Series on Sunday, April 13th at 3 pm, as one of the preeminent trios in jazz history, the Jeff Hamilton Trio takes the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime performance. With a career spanning decades, Jeff Hamilton has solidified his status as one of jazz’s foremost talents—his dynamic drumming, honed through legendary stints with the Oscar Peterson Trio and the Ray Brown Trio, has graced stages and recordings worldwide. Leonard Feather once lauded him as “the Los Angeles-based drummer whose intelligent backing and spirited solo work met Peterson’s customarily high standards,” and his work—with over 200 recordings alongside icons like Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, and Mel Torme—continues to inspire.
Joining Jeff is the extraordinary pianist Tadataka Unno, whose expressive style and impressive journey from Tokyo to New York have earned him admiration from jazz legends such as Hank Jones and Jimmy Cobb. Completing this stellar ensemble is versatile bassist Jon Hamar, whose tasteful playing and unique sonic voice add an enriching depth to every performance. Together, this historic trio brings unparalleled energy, impeccable timing, and a rich tapestry of jazz heritage to our stage—a celebration of the art form that bridges the past with the present. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to experience the magic of jazz history in the making.
Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton, whose versatility and originality have solidified his status as one of jazz’s foremost talents. With a career that spans decades, Hamilton’s dynamic drumming has graced recordings and stages worldwide, including being a member of the legendary Oscar Peterson Trio as well as the acclaimed Ray Brown Trio. Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times described Hamilton and his work with Oscar Peterson as “the Los Angeles–based drummer whose intelligent backing and spirited solo work met Peterson’s customarily high standards.” His mastery of the drums brings unparalleled energy and depth to every performance, captivating audiences with his impeccable timing and spirited solos. In addition to his many recordings with Ray Brown, Hamilton has been on more than 200 recordings with artists such as Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Milt Jackson, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme, John Pizzarelli, Benny Carter, Lalo Schifrin, George Shearing, Dr. John, Clark Terry, Gene Harris, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Scott Hamilton, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Keely Smith, Bill Holman, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Pete Malinverni, and Mark Murphy. Hamilton is a frequent guest of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany.
Tadataka Unno
Tadataka Unno, born 1980 in Tokyo, Japan, is a distinguished jazz pianist with an expressive style. He began playing piano at age four and discovered jazz at age nine. Unno studied at Tokyo University of the Arts and was an active member of the Tokyo jazz scene. In 2008, he moved to New York and quickly earned the respect of prominent jazz figures. He became a favorite of jazz legends like Hank Jones, Frank Wess, and Jimmy Cobb. Notably, he was the first and only regular Japanese member of the Jimmy Cobb Trio and the Roy Hargrove Quintet. He has performed with John Pizzarelli, Jimmy Heath, Sadao Watanabe, Houston Person, Frank Wes, Clifton Anderson, Jazzmeia Horn, Winard Harper, Russel Malone, and other jazz greats. Tadataka was featured in the 2021 NHK Special, “This Wonderful World” and in March 2022, he released “Get My Mojo Back” on Verve Records. It received widespread acclaim as one of Japan’s best-selling jazz albums of the year. In 2025, Jeff Hamilton invited him to join his trio.
Jon Hamar
Completing the trio is the versatile bassist Jon Hamar, whose tasteful and unique voice adds a rich sonic tapestry to the ensemble. With a career marked by his disciplined approach and exceptional musicianship, Hamar has shared the stage with jazz luminaries and performed with the likes of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, embodying the spirit of the jazz tradition with every performance.
Together, Hamilton, Unno, and Hamar promise an unforgettable performance by three extraordinary musicians. Reserve your seats and join us for a memorable time of jazz brilliance at the Art of Jazz Series.
