|
Music
Unlimited was founded by Al Hamme in 1974 to provide musicians in
the Binghamton, NY area with an outlet to play modern big band jazz
and to create a personnel base or musician pool so that he could
contract musicians for the various traveling shows that were beginning
to appear in the Binghamton locale.
In
the last 28 years, Al has broadened the scope of this organization
to include all facets of the music business. Music Unlimited now
provides a number of different-sized bands that present jazz concerts,
provide music for social functions and continue to back traveling
artists. In addition, Music Unlimited also provides arranging and
production services for recording projects, stage shows and industrial
exhibitions.
Al
Hamme is a woodwind artist, clinician, conductor, arranger and composer.
He has recorded with Slam Stewart, Phil Woods, Tom Harrell, Peter
Appleyard, Richard Wyans, Bucky Pizzarelli, Tony Marino, Mike Holober,
Sherrie Maricle, Ann Chamberlain, Steve Gilmore, Steve Brown, Tom
Whaley, Bill Carter, Fred Hersh and Gene Bertoncini. Al contributed
to Slam Stewart's final recording in 1987, "The Cats Are
Swingin", and Jacque Tara Washington's new CD, "Jazz
Passions," as a performer, arranger and producer as well
as serving as co-producer and performer on Bill Carter's recent
recordings: "Faith in a New Key," "Dancing
Day" and "Fragile Incarnation." Al's recent
recordings with his own band, The Swing Street Jazztet, include
"The Swing Street Jazztet Plays Dave Wheeler" and
"Potpourri: The Open Studios Sessions," available
in February.
Al
founded the jazz program at Binghamton University in 1964 and directed
it for 33 years. Other responsibilities while on the faculty at
Binghamton University included: Director of the Concert Band and
Wind Chamber Music Program (1967-1989); Director of Undergraduate
Studies for the Department of Music (1975-1985); and Chairman of
the Music Department (1980-1985).
He
also served as the director of the Cornell Jazz Ensemble for six
years and was chosen to be the First Artistic Director of the School
of Jazz Studies for the New York State Summer School of the Arts
Program (1985-1991).
|