Scott Hamilton clearly enjoys linking up with sympathetic companions whenever and wherever they appear. Here he teams up with namesake Jeff’s regular trio, caught while both were appearing at the Bern Festival, the mood much as above but with added class, drummer Hamilton the epitome of taste and pianist Hendelman a player who oozes creativity. Of course Scott finds his usual way in and settles down to some agreeable music-making, the trio making sure he’s happy too. Twelve tracks, with more variety than is usual with Scott; he’s in relaxed ballad mood on ‘Soul Eyes’, just letting this lovely melody breathe, the tone soft and yielding, Hendelman colouring in the outline. Dizzy’s ‘Woody ’n’ You’ grooves along happily, the drums more assertive, as Scott moves the harmonies around and Hendelman plays his boppish lines. Scott follows with a very fetching version of Staryhornfe ‘Ballad for Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus Eaters’. I also liked what they all did with Harry Edison’s timeless riff ‘Centrepiece’, bassist Luty digging in, the drums pumping, Scott wailing valiantly, momentarily making me think of Buddy Tate, Hendelman stomping like Oscar. More like this would have earned a fourth star. Hamilton fans will want both albums. Forced to choose, I’d say go for the Spanish issue.