His unmistakable style of Jazz music vividly retains the colour and energy of his long-ago homeland. The colourful life of Andy Hamilton...  | | Andy and his Sax |
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. 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 Hamilton blowing his horn |
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 didnt 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. | An interview with the great man himself |
 | | Painting of Andy Hamilton by local artist Richard Jones |
We 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 Interview part one Interview part two You will need Realplayer to listen to the audio.
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| Live Jazz at the Corks Club
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 | | Andy and the Blue Notes at the Bearwood Corks Club |
You can catch Andy and his band the Bluenotes at the Bearwood Corks Club where they're the resident band on a Thursday night. 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 Andys website for more information plus a full schedule of gig dates. Listen to Andy and his band... Listen to Andy Hamilton and the Bluenotes live at the Bearwood Corks Club in Birmingham.
| Young musicians learn from the legend
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 | | Courtney wants to follow in her grandad's footsteps |
Andy Hamilton's enthusiasm for teaching has led to the establishment of The Ladywood Community School of Music. Supported by the Millennium Commission, the school offers people of all ages the chance to learn from the truly great man of Jazz. Read more about Andy Hamiltons Ladywood Community School of Music. | Jamming with Paradigm Jaunt |
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