Bassist Joel Hamilton, who was introduced to Don Preston by Alex Cline, is admired by keyboardist Preston for his ability to make sense out of the composer's often difficult, constantly changing music. Joel has performed with Eddie Daniels, Edgar Meyer, Clare Fischer, Dave Koz, Gary Foster and Dave Grusin. Joel Hamilton has recorded CDs with Mare Winningham, Paul Carman, Vinny Golia, Jeff Gauthier, Jim Self and others as well as having been featured on a number of film scores. In 1982 and 1983 he won fellowships to the Aspen Music Festival where he studied with Stuart Sankey. Joel can be seen currently performing as part of the Gregg Bendian Trio, the Jeff Gauthier Goatette and the Brad Dutz Quartet.