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.
Emily
Scott Hamilton Lyrics
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Has the murmuring sound of may
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
And the laughter of children at play
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
And we fade to a marvelous view
Two lovers alone and out of sight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
(and we fade to a marvelous view)
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
Too
"Emily" is a sentimental song by Scott Hamilton that describes a fascinating woman named Emily who has the gentle sound of May. The song starts with the repetition of the name Emily, which gives the listener a clear idea that the song is about someone special. The lyrics further go on to describe Emily as someone who possesses the sounds of silver bells, coral shells, carousels, and the sounds of children playing. The use of these metaphors creates a dreamlike quality to her and shows how she brings bliss and happiness to the singer.
The lyrics further describe the song's narrator visualizing a marvelous scene in which two lovers are tucked away from sight, seeing images in the firelight while the singer visualizes a happy family. The repeated chorus, "Emily, Emily" implies that the singer associates happiness, love, and beauty with Emily. The use of the name Emily as a metaphor boosts up the listener's interest in finding out who she is and how the singer perceives her.
Overall, the song expresses the beauty and wonder of love through the main metaphor of Emily. Her magic trickles into the song's gorgeous imagery and creates a new world.
Line by Line Meaning
Emily, Emily, Emily
The repetition of Emily's name evokes her presence and creates an atmosphere of enchantment and fascination.
Has the murmuring sound of may
Emily's name sounds like a whisper, evoking the gentle and hopeful season of spring.
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
The objects associated with Emily are ornate and whimsical, suggesting a sense of wonder and imagination.
And the laughter of children at play
Emily's presence is joyful and playful, evoking the sounds of children's laughter and fun.
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
The repetition of Emily's name continues to add to her mystique and charm.
And we fade to a marvelous view
Saying Emily's name creates a magical and mesmerizing effect, transporting the singer and the listener to a fantastic world.
Two lovers alone and out of sight
The singer imagines a romantic scene with two lovers, who are hidden from view, intensifying the sense of intimacy and seclusion.
Seeing images in the firelight
The lovers are watching the flickering images in the fire, which adds to the dreamy atmosphere of the scene.
As my eyes visualize a family
The artist envisions a future with Emily, imagining the creation of a family together.
They see Emily, Emily
The lovers agree that Emily is a central and beloved figure in their shared fantasy world.
Too
This one-word line is ambiguous, but it could suggest that the singer wishes to continue the reverie and remain in this idyllic world a while longer.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNNY MANDEL, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind