Jeff Hamilton (drummer)

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Jeff Hamilton is a jazz drummer. He attended Indiana University in 1974, and he was with the Tommy Dorsey ghost band, after which he played briefly with Lionel Hampton. He spent two years as a member of Monty Alexander's Trio starting in 1975, and he was with Woody Herman's Orchestra from 1977 to 1978, following which he became a member of the L.A. Four (with whom he made six record albums). After this, he started recording regularly as a sideman for Concord. From 1983 to 1987, he performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, the Count Basie Orchestra, and Monty Alexander. He enjoys playing in jazz festivals worldwide such as the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University Of Idaho.

In the 1990s, Hamilton played gigs with the Clayton Brothers' quartet, toured the world with Oscar Peterson and the Ray Brown trio, and co-led the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra with John and Jeff Clayton. On occasion, Jeff Hamilton has also led his own trio, recording for Lake Street and Mons.