John Hamilton

Not to be mistaken for a vintage Fats Waller sidemen nicknamed "Bugs," this John Hamilton was a member of the Hoboken band Tiny Lights, which managed to illuminate its own feverishly loyal cult audience. Guitarist and singer Hamilton has also cooked up a variety of side projects and seems a brave soul, at one point giving in to progressive rock tradition and recording on the sitar. Tiny Lights, also featuring vocalist and violinist Donna Croughn, cellist Jane Scarpantoni, bassist Dave Dreiwitz, and multi-instrumentalist Andy Damos on drums, trumpet, and saxophone, came up with at least a half dozen well-received recording ventures. It can be presumed that Croughn was Hamilton's favorite member, because they eventually were wed.They were both swinging singles when the group began in 1986, the adjective cleverly also meant to describe the group's approach to rock rhythms. Close attention to the previously described instrumental lineup would have also signaled the band's distinct inventiveness, including as it does one half of the standard classical string quartet configuration. Hamilton has also recorded and performed on synthesizer, bass, piano, and mandolin. He continues to be active on the coffee-scented Hoboken scene. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide