Every now and then there comes a new musical collaboration that is so obviously ideal, it seems astonishing, in retrospect, that it didn’t materialize sooner. Such is the case with Back in New York—the first recording partnership between celebrated tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton and prodigious pianist Bill Charlap. Although a dozen years Hamilton’s junior, Charlap—widely acclaimed for both his vigorous swing and romantic lyricism—proves the perfect musical soul mate for the always-melodic Hamilton. With Hamilton’s fluid, effortlessly swinging melodic improvisations inspiring colorful, in-the-moment harmonic, rhythmic and melodic responses from Charlap and his venerable, tight-knit trio (featuring jazz stalwarts Peter Washington and Kenny Washington), fans of inspired music are invited to witness the paranormal musical results that can occur only when the most fluent and creative musicians engage in inspired musical dialogues. Featuring Scott Hamilton (tenor saxophone); Bill Charlap (piano); Peter Washington (bass); Kenny Washington (drums). Recorded 2005. 10 Tracks.