Vicky Hamilton (musician)

Vicky Hamilton (? - 1971) was an American jazz singer-songwriter-composer. She worked with American jazz pianist, singer-composer, Dave MacKay whom she was also married to. In the late-1960s Mackay and Vicky Hamilton formed a duo and produced three recordings together. Hamilton died in 1971.[1]

Vicky Hamilton (musician)
Self Titled 1969 ABC Impulse LP Dave MacKay and Vicky Hamilton
Background information
Died1971
GenresJazz

On 25 June 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Vicky Hamilton (musician) among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[2]

Discography
  • Dave Mackay with Vicky Hamilton, Hands (Andy Simpkins, Joey Baron, Ira Schulman, Chuck Domanico, Joe Porcaro, Ray Neapolitan, Discovery, 1983, Recorded in 1969 & 1983)[3]
  • Dave Mackay & Vicky Hamilton, Rainbows (Joe Pass, Ira Schulman, Chuck Domanico, Colin Bailey, Impulse, 1970)
  • Dave Mackay & Vicky Hamilton, Self Titled (Ira Schulman, Ray Neapolitan, Joe Porcaro, Francisco Aguabella, Impulse, 1969)[4][5][6]

Reception

New York Times critic Rex Reed wrote in 1969 of their self-titled album:

Vicky Hamilton is a vocalist of profound musical intelligence, wit and sensitivity who seems years ahead of her time. Together [with Dave Mackay] they have written most of the superb material in this album and sing it in an awesomely impressive jazz style. ... There are only two cuts here in a conventional time pattern; most are in odd time changes that flip from 5 to 7, with intervals that can only be described as microtonal. One number, written and sung within an inch of its life by Miss Hamilton, is called "Elephant Song". It took [their record producer] six hours .. to transcribe it. But that should not concern the listener, only the beauty and brilliance of the end result. ... "Elephant Song", which reminded me of the kind of whimsical lyrics Dory Previn writes, has the rich ebullience of a child's first trip to the circus.[7]


Reed also considered, "There isn't one band on this disk that could be considered less than perfect. ... Their up tunes are filled with joy and sass, and their ballads are lush and hypnotic. .... Miss Hamilton sings like a dream".[7]

Other reviewers were also positive. One said, "a very good blending of voices ... always [] gentle, never too loud. ... a very tasteful album - quite surprising in fact."[4] Another also commented, "The mellow voices of Dave and Vicky blend beautifully with the jazz sounds for some unusual effects",[5] while a third found them "fresh and stimulting [sic] in the tradition of Jackie and Roy ... experts at injecting unusual meters into their approach, giving their original compositions an off-beat style."[6]

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References
  1. McGraham, Thom (18 June 1971). "Acts in Review". Valley News. Van Nuys, California. p. 23. Retrieved 21 July 2019. Songs from his recent album with the late Vicki Hamilton still have strength with his lone interpretation "See You Later" with its underlying sadness is [sic] one of McKay's best because it offers the audience a piece of his deepest feelings.
  2. Rosen, Jody (25 June 2019). "Here Are Hundreds More Artists Whose Tapes Were Destroyed in the UMG Fire". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  3. "Dave Mackay with Vicky Hamilton". Jazz Journal International. Billboard Limited: 39. 1983. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  4. Arganbright, Frank (16 January 1970). "Listening on Records". Journal and Courier. Lafayette, Indiana. p. 19. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  5. Ober, Chick (17 May 1970). "Muting Makes The Music Mellow". Tampa Bay Times. St Petersburg, Florida. p. 4F. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  6. Lass, Don (22 March 1970). "Record Previews". Asbury Park Press. Asbury Park, New Jersey. p. 10C. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
  7. Reed, Rex (9 November 1969). "Two Who 'Make Magic Happen'" (PDF). The New York Times. p. 313. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
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