 | 6 January 2010 Accessibility help Text only |
|
|
| BBC Homepage | | |
| |||
| Contact Us Like this page? Send it to a friend! | | |
Music FeaturesYou are in: Birmingham > Entertainment > Music > Music Features > "My life of jazz"  Andy Hamilton "My life of jazz"At 89 years old, Birmingham Jazz legend Andy Hamilton can still be heard blowing his sax at venues across the city. We caught up with the great man himself for a chat about his life of Jazz. His unmistakable style of Jazz music vividly retains the colour and energy of his long-ago homeland. The colourful life of Andy Hamilton...Born in 1918, in Port Maria in Jamaica, he made his first "sax" from bamboo. He formed his first band, Silvershine, with a group of friends in 1928. During the early 40's he entertained several celebrities, including Errol Flynn aboard the movie star's yacht. In 1949 Andy Hamilton came to the UK, settling in Birmingham and formed his band the Bluenotes. In time he became an icon of the city's Jazz scene.  Andy Hamilton and his sax For over 50 years Andy has set up venues and concerts across the city, providing after show entertainment for visiting celebrities including the West Indian Cricket teams in the 1950's. Home is where the heart is…Andy rarely ventured outside Birmingham and became a local celebrity who regularly played at civic functions, organised nights and opened venues where people from all ages and backgrounds are made welcome. Debut album at 72 years old…Over the years he's built a significant reputation among visiting Jazzmen. However he didn’t record any albums until the age of 72. His debut album "Silvershine" was released and became the biggest selling UK Jazz Album of the Year. He plays regularly at prestigious international venues and festivals, across Europe.  Andy Hamilton and Soweto Kinch An interview with the great man himselfWe caught up with Andy Hamilton for an interview. He talks about his love of music, memories of his early horn blowing days and the great Jazz legends he's played alongside. "I hear my tunes in my dreams" - Andy Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer Live Jazz at the Corks Club…Andy and the Blue Notes at the Bearwood Corks Club With Andy's connections in the music world, regular visits to the club are made by some of the best Jazz musicians from Britain and overseas. Visit Andy’s website for more information plus a full schedule of gig dates. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites  Andy's 88th Birthday gig at Bearwood Listen to Andy and his band...Listen to Andy Hamilton and the Bluenotes live at the Bearwood Corks Club in Birmingham. Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer Young musicians learn from the legend…Andy Hamilton's enthusiasm for teaching led to the establishment of The Ladywood Community School of Music.  Andy on the beach Supported by the Millennium Commission, the school offers people of all ages the chance to learn from the truly great man of Jazz. Jamming with Paradigm JauntAnnil Chandra talks about the inspirational influence of local Jazz legend Andy Hamilton on his band Paradigm Jaunt. last updated: 07/08/07 You are in: Birmingham > Entertainment > Music > Music Features > "My life of jazz"  Nature in Birmingham |
| | About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy |
