Hymn

...in this collection, Hamar achieves the balance of thoughtfulness and risk-taking that characterizes the most successful jazz ventures.
- Doug Ramsey

For his maiden release on Origin, Northwest bassist Jon Hamar eschews the traditional piano trio format to explore the textural, dynamic and melodic possibilities of a decidedly unconventional instrumental configuration. Bolstered by the lithe and profuse alto saxophonist, Todd DelGiudice, and the esteemed and illustriously versatile Geoffrey Keezer on piano, Hamar puts forth an intelligent collection of original compositions and sagacious arrangements that highlights the alluring interplay of these three very distinct voices. From the playfully lilting "Blues for J.P." to the tasty mash-up of "Giant Steps" and "It Could Happen To You," this keenly synergic trio weaves effortlessly, evoking spacious conversations and harmonious romps throughout. This recording reflects Hamar's spirited proclivity for taking risks, as well his adroit ability to pull them off.

Production Info:

Produced by Jon Hamar
Recorded August 24 & 25, 2011, by David Lange & Evan Brubaker at David Lange Studios, Edgewood WA
Mixed by David Lange
Mastered by Dan Dean, Dan Dean Prod., Mercer Island, WA
Photography by Steve Korn
Cover design & layout by John Bishop

Reviews of Hymn

The Jazz Word (John Barron)
Seattle bassist Jon Hamar utilizes a high-end sense of time, tone and taste to propel his drummerless trio on his solo disc Hymn. Pianist Geoffrey Keezer and alto saxophonist Todd DelGiudice contribute to this well-conceived collection of originals and jazz classics. Hamar pays homage to bass giants John Patitucci ("Blues for J.P.") and Ray Brown ...

allaboutjazz.com (C. Michael Bailey)
Track review of "Comes Love" - Origin Records bassist Jon Hamar effects an intimate trio with alto saxophonist Todd DelGiudice and pianist Geoffrey Keezer on Hymn. Heard most recently, prior to this date, on Richard Cole's Inner Mission (Origin Records, 2007), Hamar's Hymn is heavy on introspective yet muscular originals, as Hamar also chooses ...

Oregon Jazz Scene (George Fendel)
Seattle bassist Hamar must have had a premonition. Just how would a trio without a drummer go over? And so, on this recording, he works only with Geoffrey Keezer, piano, and Todd DelGiudice, alto saxophone. Without a drummer, there?s a stronger sense of intimacy and communication among the three players, and the result is impressive. The song list ...

All About Jazz (Hrayr Attarian)
Seattle bassist Jon Hamar's third release as a leader is an intimate and collaborative effort. The textured harmonies with hints of western Classical influences that are heard on his prior CDs have further matured on Hymn, thanks, in no small part, to his choice of sidemen. Reed multi-instrumentalist Todd DelGiudice (a past collaborator who sticks ...