This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Call it avocation. Call it a cause.

Whatever the name, Jeff Hamilton is devoted to preserving jazz. Old-school jazz — the stuff of Louis Prima and Glenn Miller.

And he's bringing his calling to Salt Lake City on Saturday night with a show at the Capitol Theatre as part of the JazzSLC series.

But before that, members of the Jeff Hamilton Trio will host a free workshop at the venue for Utah jazz musicians of all ages.

"There are always expectations that jazz is either dying or that no one cares about it, or that it's getting bigger and is going to take over," Hamilton says. "Both perceptions are incorrect.

"There are always going to be people who love that kind of music. But it's not going to take over the popular world and it's not going to die. It's a music that makes you think a little bit and go along for the emotional journey."

Hamilton started that journey earlier than most.

Big-band music filled the house when he was growing up in Indiana in the 1950s and '60s. When he was 5 years old, he recalls watching legendary drummer Gene Krupa on TV.

"It just lit me up," Hamilton says. "It was electrifying."

He started piano lessons the same year and his teacher eventually recommended the boy take up a rhythm instrument. He had to wait three more years — "three years of misery" — before he could take up the drums.

As a teenager, he bucked the musical trends of his generation, instead choosing the classics his parents had played for so many years.

"I sort of stuck to my guns — enjoying the sophistication of the big band. The drumming was so much more interesting and intricate to me," he says. "That kept me on the path."

Eventually he returned to piano lessons, but only to be able to go to music school at Indiana University.

In 1974, Hamilton got his big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He played with Lionel Hampton's Band and the Monty Alexander Trio before joining Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd in 1977. From 1983 to 1987, he performed with jazz greats including Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra and Rosemary Clooney.

In 1995, Hamilton started his own trio. And from 1999-2001, the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz orchestra was the in-residence ensemble at the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Series.

Along with pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Christoph Luty, Hamilton plans to return to his big-band roots at Saturday's performance, drawing from the group's "Great American Songs" album and others, including original compositions. The current trio members have been playing together for 15 years.

JazzSLC founder Gordon Hanks appreciates Hamilton's approach to his job, giving back as he is to students. Hanks says he expects 150 to 200 novice and experienced jazz musicians to attend the workshop.

"We are very fortunate that Jeff Hamilton is also passionate about student education in the arts," Hanks says. —

Jeff Hamilton Trio

When • Saturday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.

Where • Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $27.50-$32; ArtTix; more info at jazzslc.com

Workshop • The Jeff Hamilton Trio's workshop runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.