Philip Hamilton

Philip Hamilton is the most exciting contemporary vocalist on the international Jazz and World Music stages. He is possessed with a voice that conveys a Warrior’s strength, a Blues man’s soul, a Romantic’s heart and a Muezzin’s spirit. Hamilton is a true original, who has performed or recorded with some of the leading musical minds of our time, including the Pat Metheny Group, Spyro Gyra, Steely Dan’s Donald Fagan, Gilberto Gil, Mike Stern and John Cage. The New York Times calls his innovative singing and composing style, “contemporary and cutting edge”,
His solo performances challenge audiences to redefine the voice and celebrate its limitless potential. The Village Voice noted of a recent Hamilton performance, “Hamilton’s masterful voice…presented a tapestry of vocal and musical wonders”. His larger ensembles also cross musical boundaries as they take listeners on journeys inspired by the blues, rock, jazz, classical, as well as sounds from around the world. His ensembles, both live and in the studio, have featured some of the music world’s best and brightest performers including Greg Osby, Chieli Minucci, John Medeski, Matt Garrison, Bill Evans, Mike Manieri, Richard Bona, Gil Goldstein, Ottmar Liebert and Vernon Reid.
Philip Hamilton is also recognized as the leading contemporary composer of music for dance. The recipient of 2004 New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie) for his Body of Work in the field of Composition for Dance, Hamilton creates music that makes the spirit, the soul and the body move. He has composed for the world’s leading choreographers and dance companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ron Brown, Mia Michaels, Ballet Hispanico, Rennie Harris, Robert Battle and Ann Reinking, the Tony award-winning choreographer of Chicago and Fosse. Ezekiel’s Wheel, Hamilton’s critically acclaimed work with Danny Buraczeski/Jazzdance is hailed as “a modern masterwork” in the Minneapolis Star Tribune,
Hamilton also creates a landscape of sounds for film and theater. His soundtrack for “Lifted”, the upcoming film from award-winning filmmaker Randy Dottin for Fox/Searchlight Films, is gaining wide recognition in the independent film circles. This score (produced with Chieli Minucci of the contemporary jazz group Special EFX) features the moving original song, Everything’s Gonna be Alright. Hamilton’s score for River Deep: A Tribute to Tina Turner, has also garnered high praise for its mix of classic R&B influenced showstoppers to Gregorian Chant-like compositions. This theatrical event, directed by Gabrielle Lansner, a founding member of New York’s legendary Wooster Group, enjoyed a successful run on Broadway's 42nd St. this past year and is in talks for future overseas performances. Hamilton has developed his own multi-faceted style of composing that crosses boundaries and defies classification.
In concert, Hamilton and his ensemble perform selected pieces from his work for film, dance and theater, as well as Hamilton’s original “songs”, which are inspired by visionaries Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and Bill Withers. This combination adds both a cinematic and intimate feel to his performances. Audiences are willingly led on a journey through time, music, rhythms and emotions. The essence of Philip Hamilton’s performances are his unique ability to inspire and entertain at the same time.
He continues to nurture others through Montenegro Productions, his production company based in New York City and One Voice, his non-profit agency that presents collaborations that are multi-cultural and multi-disciplined. Stay tuned for the release of the film Lifted and the theatrical production of Voices, Hamilton's vocal extravaganza set to open in 2008 at The Painted Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia.