The Ghost, the King and I featuring Scott Hamilton & Strings is an intimate, Pure DSD 256 Jazz recording that captures Scott Hamilton at his most reflective and emotionally direct. Backed by the deeply cohesive trio of Rob van Bavel, Vincent Koning, and Frans van Geest, augmented by the elegant textures of Salon de Musique String Trio, the album unfolds as a series of fluid musical conversations rather than virtuosic displays.

This is the 12th album at NativeDSD featuring Scott Hamilton on the Tenor Saxophone. It is the 2nd album at NativeDSD with The Ghost, The King and I.  Their previous album We Got Rhythm: The Music of George Gershwin won a 2024 NativeDSD Album of the Year Award.

Blending jazz standards, Brazilian repertoire, and original arrangements, the record emphasizes warmth, restraint, and lyrical interplay. Hamilton’s signature tenor sound — melodic, unhurried, and conversational, moves freely through spacious, carefully balanced arrangements that allow each musician to contribute without overshadowing the collective voice.

Recorded live in a single take at Studio 1 in Hilversum using Pure DSD 256 and an analog (mastering) chain, the album offers both sonic depth and emotional immediacy. The result is a refined, immersive listening experience where jazz improvisation and chamber-like sensitivity meet in a natural, unforced dialogue.

Soloist
Scott Hamilton, Tenor Saxophone

The Ghost, The King and I 
Rob van Bavel, Piano
Vincent Koning, Guitar
Frans van Geest, Bass

Salon de Musique String Trio
Hyemi Kim, Violin
Jieun Kim, Viola
Sohyeon Park, Cello