He emerged in the 1970s and at the time he was considered to be one of the few musicians of real talent who carried the tradition of the classic jazz tenor saxophone in the style of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins as well as Zoot Sims and Don Byas forward. He began playing in various rhythm & blues outfits in Providence (Rhode Island), but subsequently shifted to jazz and the tenor saxophone. In 1976 he moved to New York City at, in part the recommendation of Roy Eldridge. He there joined Benny Goodman for a period of time. During this time, he also developed an alcohol problem.,[1] In the early 1980's he had formed his own quintet and toured all over the world. By then free from his drinking habit, in 1982 he had matured sufficiently to be able to break away from the spell of mainly Ben Webster and Zoot Sims, of whom he had been criticized of imitating. From this point on both his playing and his tone was very much his own.
Living in New York City, he toured all around the world during the 1980's, playing Japan and all over Europe. He was in particular a recurrent visitor to the UK, Sweden and the Grand Parade du Jazz, held in Nice, France. By the early 1990's he was ready for a next step and by 1994 when he released Organic Duke, he had developed a quite singular style: a large, well rounded but still focused tone and improvising, ostensibly still based on the swing idiom (especially Ellington), but incorporating more modern elements. During this period, he relocated to London, and formed his current quartet, featuring John Pearce (p), Dave Green (b) and Steve Brown (dr). He is currently active touring all over Europe.
He has had over forty albums as a lead most on the Concord Records label.
Blues in Octaves
Scott Hamilton Lyrics
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I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you
Sharing all the joys we used to know
Many moons ago
Once again your face comes back to me
Just like the theme of some forgotten melody
In the album of my memory
It seems like only yesterday
The small cafe, a crowded floor
And as we danced the night away
I hear you say forever more
And then the song became a sigh
Forever more became goodbye
Cause you remained in my heart, but
Tell me darling in there still a spark?
Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew
Should I go on whistling in the dark,
Serenade in blue
The lyrics of Scott Hamilton's song "Blues in Octaves" convey a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The mention of hearing "Serenade in Blue" signifies a particular song that holds sentimental value for the singer. This song transports them to another world, where they feel a deep connection with their former partner. The reference to sharing "the joys we used to know, many moons ago" implies a sense of longing for the happiness and intimacy they once shared.
The lyrics continue to evoke memories of the past, with the singer recalling their former partner's face as if it was the theme of a forgotten melody. The album of their memory holds these cherished moments, represented by the serenade in blue. The line "The small cafe, a crowded floor" hints at a specific place and time when they danced and expressed their love. However, the following lines reveal a bittersweet twist as the song transformed from a hopeful declaration of forever more to a sigh and eventually a goodbye.
The final verses pose questions to the former partner, asking if there is still a spark or if only lonely ashes remain. The metaphor of whistling in the dark represents the singer's uncertainty and hesitance as they continue to serenade in blue, unsure if their love can be rekindled or if it is forever lost.
Overall, the lyrics of "Blues in Octaves" encapsulate the feelings of longing, reminiscence, and uncertainty that come with a past love. The serenade in blue represents the emotional connection that still lingers, and the singer grapples with the hope for a second chance or the acceptance that their love story has come to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
When I hear that Serenade in blue
Whenever I listen to that melancholic melody called Serenade in blue
I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you
I am transported to a different realm, where it's just you and me, completely isolated
Sharing all the joys we used to know
Reliving and experiencing once again all the happiness we once shared
Many moons ago
A long time in the past
Once again your face comes back to me
Once more, your image returns vividly to my mind
Just like the theme of some forgotten melody
Similar to the motif of a melody that has been left behind and forgotten
In the album of my memory
Within the collection of my recollections and remembrances
Serenade in blue
That same Serenade in blue
It seems like only yesterday
It feels as if it were just recently
The small cafe, a crowded floor
A cozy café, with a bustling dance floor
And as we danced the night away
While we moved rhythmically throughout the entire night
I hear you say forever more
I recall you proclaiming eternal commitment
And then the song became a sigh
Following that, the melody transformed into a sorrowful exhalation
Forever more became goodbye
The promise of eternity turned into a farewell
Cause you remained in my heart, but
Because you stayed within my heart, yet
Tell me darling in there still a spark?
Inform me, my beloved, is there still a flicker of hope?
Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew
Or are there solely isolated remnants of the fervor we once had?
Should I go on whistling in the dark,
Should I continue to feign confidence and cheerfulness while feeling uncertain and insecure?
Serenade in blue
As I listen to the melancholic Serenade in blue
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Warren, Mack Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind