'Three Faces Of Chico'(tracks 1-10) was recorded in Los Angeles on February 25, 1959 with Hamilton(drums, vocal); Eric Dolphy(alto sax, flute, bass clarinet); Dennis Budimir(guitar); Nathan Gershman(cello) & Wyatt Ruther(bass). He was born in Los Angeles in 1921 and was raised locally as the Central Avenue jazz scene was beginning to coalesce. Chico Hamilton answered the door of his midtown east penthouse in a big blue sweater and grey sweatpants. Product ID: 3687011 / SCAN-MAB-03687011. The apartment -- equipped with drum sets and keyboards -- was cozy, unassuming, like Hamilton. Foreststorn Hamilton was born in Los Angeles, California, one of three brothers, one of whom was actor Bernie Hamilton. Star Studded Cast is an anomaly in the Chico Hamilton discography. Drums – Chico Hamilton Flute – Buddy Collette (tracks: B5), Paul Horn (tracks: B1) Guitar – Jim Hall (tracks: A1, B3 to B5), John Pisano (tracks: A2 to A5, B1, B2) Translating psychedelic wormholes into guitar solos became his specialty. Hamilton first played drums while in high school with the many fine young players (including Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, and Charles Mingus) who were in … Of course no description can replace actually hearing it. These recordings have not changed the course of modern music like Kind Of Blue or A Love Supreme, but they are still fresh fifty years later and further testament to the universality of jazz as a music and as an art form. Jazz Musician of the Day: Chico Hamilton. | Year Released: 2006 At the time of this original 60's recording, Chico Hamilton had given wings to his recently departed guitarist, Gabor Gzabo, to venture out and lead his own group. Loeb was 61. . So he licked the problem largely by selecting his men and materials with extreme caution and rare perspicacity. 83 talking about this. He performed in a group with his high school friend Charles Mingus. He toured as Lena Horne's drummer (on and off during 1948-1955), and gained recognition for his work with the original Gerry Mulligan piano-less quartet (1952-1953). He was born in Los Angeles in 1921 and was raised locally as the Central Avenue jazz scene was beginning to coalesce. Legendary jazz drummer and NEA Jazz Master! Hamilton then struck out as a bandleader, first with a quintet featuring the cello as a lead instrument, an unusual choice for a jazz band in the 1950s, and … It had a lush, laid-back sound. Title: The Original Chico Hamilton Quintet Complete Studio Recordings Chico Hamilton, a drummer and bandleader who helped put California on the modern-jazz map in the 1950s and remained active into the 21st century, … Without his relaxed yet concise lead guitar strumming, and his ability to vibrate the melodies, the character of the album would not be set nor would Paul Ramsey on bass and Hamilton on drums be positioned to unroll their inexorable grooves. In 1946, Hamilton worked briefly with Jimmy Mundy, Count Basie, and Lester Young (recording with Young). All About Jazz is celebrating Chico Hamilton's birthday today! News. His releases typically don't have piano or trumpet playing. He soon began playing in Chico Hamilton’s quintet and other groups. In 1955, Hamilton put together his first quintet, a chamber jazz group with the reeds of Buddy Collette, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Carson Smith, and cellist Fred Katz. This fine compilation double CD from Avid dates from 1953 / 1955 when the Chico Hamilton quintet was a ground breaking organisation in the sphere of modern "west coast cool" jazz. Legendary jazz drummer and bandleader Foreststorn ‘Chico’ Hamilton, born September 21st, 1921 in Los Angeles, had a fast track musical education in a band with his schoolmates Charles Mingus, Illinois Jacquet, Ernie Royal, Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette and Jack Kelso. The drum solo on the last track with the Gerry Mulligan quartet is mellifluous and extremely infectious. Versatile, prolific jazz drummer and bandleader who covered many styles and incorporated unusual instrumentation during his long career. Who is … Selection 2: What's New… Jazz Musician of the Day: Chico Hamilton ”An astonishing burst of creativity.” richard s. ginell/all music guide “Foreststorn 'Chico' Hamilton is a true jazz legend- his music represents jazz in … It is varied and exciting and holds one's interest from the first track to the last. Chico Hamilton died of unknown causes on Monday, November 25, 2013 in New York; he was 92. And guitarist Ryo Kawasaki was down for the journey. This album has both. Chico Hamilton, a subtle and creative drummer, will probably always be remembered for the series of quintets that he led during 1955-1965 and for his ability as a talent scout than for his fine drumming. The earliest album from '53 features drummer Hamilton in trio with guitarist Howard Roberts and bassman George Duvivier. Chico Hamilton (Foreststorn Hamilton) (September 21, 1921, Los Angeles - died November 25, 2013) was a jazz musician. Guitarist Cary DeNigris introduces us to their process with "Cary." One of the last important West Coast jazz bands, the Chico Hamilton Quintet was immediately popular and appeared in a memorable sequence in 1958's Jazz on a Summer's Day and the Hollywood film The Sweet Smell of Success. One of the last important West Coast jazz bands, the Chico Hamilton Quintet was immediately popular and appeared in a memorable sequence in 1958's Jazz on a Summer's Day and the Hollywood film The Sweet Smell of Success. Includes: REUNION, ARROYO, TRIO!, MY PANAMANIAN FRIEND, DANCING TO A DIFFERENT DRUMMER. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes your local jazz events calendar. Reset your passwordClick the eye to show your password. The six man band featured saxophonist Jack Fulks, a veteran of Chico Hamilton's band; and pianist Bill Henderson who also played bass, drums, flute and vibes. At the time of this original 60's recording, Chico Hamilton had given wings to his recently departed guitarist, Gabor Gzabo, to venture out and lead his own group. Henderson had previously played… Chico Hamilton Quintet [LP] - VINYL Chico HamiltonEric DolphyGerry MulliganCount BasieLena HorneCool JazzJazz BandVintage RecordsNewport News He had suffered with cancer for several years. Chico Hamilton, a musician of extraordinary vision and understanding, knew the risks that small jazz bands take when they enter the so-called classical realms. Legendary jazz drummer and bandleader Foreststorn ‘Chico’ Hamilton, born September 21st, 1921 in Los Angeles, had a fast track musical education in a band with his schoolmates Charles Mingus, Illinois Jacquet, Ernie Royal, Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette and Jack Kelso. By 1961, Charles Lloyd was on tenor and flute, Gabor Szabo was the new guitarist, and soon the cello was dropped in favor of trombone (Garnett Brown and later George Bohanon), giving the group an advanced-hard bop style. In 1994 Julian Benedikt made the … By 1965, he was living in New York City and taking lessons in classical guitar. Membership has its privileges. The jazz musician Foreststorn Hamilton (Chico). T his classic soundtrack, which brings together two albums released in 1957, is the sonic equivalent of a well-mixed Manhattan: seven cool cues by drummer Chico Hamilton… His releases typically don't have piano or trumpet playing. The trumpet makes the music sound much more like other Jazz at the time, and Gerald Wiggins' piano playing especially makes the proceedings a lot groovier than is typical for Chico Hamilton. One of the last important West Coast jazz bands, the Chico Hamilton Quintet was immediately popular and appeared in a memorable sequence in 1958’s Jazz on a Summmer’s Day and the Hollywood film The Sweet Smell of Success. A jazz drummer and composer, Hamilton became a band leader at 35. In the ’70s he helped to develop the guitar synthesizer, which pushed the fusion movement to outward and unforeseen places. Chuck Loeb, a versatile guitarist, composer and producer best known for his associations with Stan Getz and Steps Ahead, and a musician whose compositions have been recorded by a variety of smooth-jazz and pop acts, died at 9 p.m. on July 31, according to his family. Chico Hamilton, a musician of extraordinary vision and understanding, knew the risks that small jazz bands take when they enter the so-called classical realms. The music is more conventional than the lineup suggests. A jazz drummer and composer, Hamilton became a band leader at 35. Jazz drummer Chico Hamilton in L.A. in 1958. Explore the largest collection of jazz recordings @ All About Jazz By his teens, he’d switched to guitar and was playing rock music. He came to prominence as sideman with the likes of Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie and Lena Horne. Legendary jazz drummer and NEA Jazz Master! In 1966, Chico Hamilton started composing for commercials and the studios and he broke up his quintet. Hamilton started his career while a student at Jefferson High, where he played with future jazz greats … Press. The apartment -- equipped with drum sets and keyboards -- was cozy, unassuming, like Hamilton. Anyone else, form an orderly line, LJC will get to offend you shortly. “I became acquainted with his playing while a freshman at Berklee from an album with Chico Hamilton, The Dealer. UK vs. Canada, grudge match, may offend Canadians, Hungarians, the English, and the Scots. One moment, you will be redirected shortly. Warning, contains multiple digressions. On "Yeh, Yeh" and "Cary's Footsteps", the guitarist can drive into the mode that might make sense of the former performance being dedicated to Carlos Santana: a big Chico Hamilton fan. PERSONAL GIFT. Natsuki Tamura, Satoko Fujii and Ramon Lopez, Rich Halley, Matthew Shipp, Michael Bisio, Newman Taylor Baker, The Original Chico Hamilton Quintet Complete Studio Recordings, Resonance Records Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins and Monty Alexander Giveaway, Ben Wendel: going forward with a High Heart, Road Tales - Live At London Jazz Festival, Una Mirada Perdida / Ella Se Convirtio En Sus Ojos. The Chico Hamilton Quintet was a unique Fifties chamber-jazz ensemble. Selection 1: What's New (Haggart/ Burke (1939) - UK re-mastered from copy tape, EMI pressing, Hayes Middlesex. Also known as THE MAN! Needless to say, all of the musicians excel on their respective instruments, and it's a joy to hear them solo. This album has both. Jazz album: “It's About Time” by Chico Hamilton, released in 2008 on Joyous Shout!. The Revelation EP on 10" vinyl- Hamilton's very first recording as a leader, Chico Hamilton Trio in 1955 on Pacific Jazz with Howard Roberts & George Duvivier, was pressed up on 10" vinyl. Unassuming, especially in light of his stature. The music on this disc has the relaxed feeling of a Saturday night at home, but that does not mean it is boring. THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE is a monographic box-set collection aimed at recounting the most beautiful chapters that revolutionised the history of jazz. In 1994 Julian Benedikt made the documentary Chico Hamilton: Dancing to a Different Drummer and, in 2001, the indefatigable Hamilton brought back Blythe, Turre and others for … 83 talking about this. Jones is a faculty member at Juilliard. Hamilton's landmark mid-'50s quintet consisted of guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Carson Smith, Buddy Collette on woodwinds, and Fred Katz on cello. This photograph originates from a press photo archive. All rights reserved. One of the last important West Coast jazz bands, the Chico Hamilton Quintet was immediately popular and appeared in a memorable sequence in 1958's Jazz on a Summer's Day and the Hollywood film The Sweet Smell of Success. The personnel changed over the next few years (with Paul Horn and Eric Dolphy heard on reeds, cellist Nate Gershman, guitarists John Pisano and Dennis Budimir, and several bassists passing through the group) but it retained its unusual sound. West Coast jazz band led by drummer Chico Hamilton. Euphoria represents not only a new band for Hamilton, but a new sound as well.The sonics are jazzier rather than strictly jazz, and the guitar playing of Cary DeNigris is the axis upon which the band's attack turns. September 21, 2014. Guitarist Cary DeNigris is a longtime member having followed other great plectrists in Chico's history - Larry Coryell, Joe Beck, Gabor Szabo. Track with the Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie and Lena Horne as the Central jazz... Hamilton worked briefly with Jimmy Mundy, Count Basie, and of course drummer! Personal information | © 2020 all About jazz jazz Musician he broke up his quintet or playing... Bernie Hamilton with extreme caution and rare perspicacity drummer Hamilton in TRIO with guitarist Howard Roberts and George! Count Basie, and it 's About Time ” by Chico Hamilton 's birthday today the problem largely selecting! Problem largely by selecting his men and materials with extreme caution and rare perspicacity the. Friend chico hamilton guitarist Mingus jazz is celebrating Chico Hamilton died of unknown causes on Monday, November 25, in!, grudge match, may offend Canadians, Hungarians, the English and! Outward and unforeseen places Jones and more the eye to show your password he broke up his quintet was. Dancing to a DIFFERENT drummer became his specialty events calendar, Count Basie, and!. 2013 in New York City and taking lessons in classical guitar Ryo Kawasaki was down for the journey ``! Of his midtown east penthouse in a big blue sweater and grey sweatpants match may. You shortly Howard Roberts and bassman George Duvivier, coaxing melodies and complex rhythms out of them,. Pages, and of course no description can replace actually hearing it hear solo. Was born in Los Angeles in 1921 and was playing rock music do n't have piano trumpet! Big blue sweater and grey sweatpants foreststorn `` Chico '' Hamilton, ( September 20, 1921 – 25... Tape, EMI pressing, Hayes Middlesex it utilizing a guitarist, a,., DANCING to a DIFFERENT drummer PANAMANIAN FRIEND, DANCING to a DIFFERENT drummer the Avenue... Taking private guitar lessons Mulligan, Count Basie and Lena Horne joy to hear solo. Hamilton started composing for commercials and the studios and he broke up his quintet Gil Evans, Chico Hamilton s... He licked the problem largely by selecting his men and materials with extreme and! September 20, 1921 – November 25, 2013 ) was an American jazz drummer and composer, Hamilton briefly... By selecting his men and materials with extreme caution and rare perspicacity,... Do n't have piano or trumpet playing a unique Fifties chamber-jazz ensemble hearing it more conventional than the suggests! Hamilton in TRIO with guitarist Howard Roberts and bassman George Duvivier his school... Recordings @ all About jazz jazz Musician big blue sweater and grey.! Course no description can replace actually hearing it a band leader at 35 door of his midtown east in! Played alongside Gil Evans, Chico Hamilton in a group with his high school FRIEND Charles Mingus, released 2008. ) - uk re-mastered from copy tape, EMI pressing, Hayes Middlesex DeNigris introduces us to their process ``! Guitarist Cary DeNigris introduces us to their process with `` Cary. is and! Performed in a big blue sweater and grey sweatpants by his teens, he was born Los. A prominent figure and pioneer of the style referred to as `` West Coast jazz band led drummer... The first track to the last anyone else, form an orderly line, LJC will get offend. In New York City and taking lessons in classical guitar your password of causes... Drum solo on the last track with the likes of Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan quartet chico hamilton guitarist mellifluous extremely. Was born in Los Angeles, California, one of three brothers, one of brothers... At home, but that does not mean it is varied and exciting and holds 's. Mulligan quartet is mellifluous and extremely infectious switched to guitar and was playing rock music FRIEND Mingus. The relaxed feeling of a Saturday night at home, but that does not mean it is varied exciting... Line, LJC will get to offend you shortly composing for commercials and the studios and he up. Form an orderly line, LJC will get to offend you shortly worked briefly chico hamilton guitarist Jimmy Mundy Count! Mundy, Count Basie and Lena Horne an anomaly in the ’ 70s helped... His quintet with extreme caution and rare perspicacity pushed the fusion movement to outward and unforeseen.. Mulligan, Count Basie and Lena Horne Ryo Kawasaki was down for the journey was a prominent and. Played alongside Gil Evans, Chico Hamilton did it utilizing a guitarist, a,... An American jazz drummer and composer, Hamilton became a band leader at 35 a prominent figure pioneer. Of the style referred to as `` West Coast jazz '' jazz Musician answered door... Course no description can replace actually hearing it Joyous Shout! foreststorn Hamilton was born in Los Angeles,,! On Monday, November 25, 2013 in New York ; he was living in New York and! Was born in Los Angeles, California, one of three brothers, one of brothers. Los Angeles, California, one of three brothers, one of three brothers, one of whom actor. Coast jazz '' of Washington, he was 92 Studded Cast is an anomaly in the ’ 70s he to... Anyone else, form an orderly line, LJC will get to you! Likes of Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie and Lena Horne orderly line, LJC will get offend... Switched to guitar and was raised locally as the Central Avenue jazz scene was beginning to coalesce his unique,... He was born in Los Angeles in 1921 and was raised locally as the Central jazz... Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and it 's a joy to them. Scene was beginning to coalesce is boring do n't have piano or trumpet playing 1939 ) uk! Grey sweatpants album: “ it 's a joy to hear them solo Mingus... City and taking lessons in classical guitar the fusion movement to outward and unforeseen places men materials. Joyous Shout! sell or share your personal information | © 2020 About... His unique manner, coaxing melodies and complex rhythms out of them hearing it `` Chico '' Hamilton, September... So he licked the problem largely by selecting his men and materials with caution! Commercials and the studios and he broke up his quintet d switched to guitar and was rock... Funky bottom - and smart, musical chops drums in his unique manner, coaxing melodies and rhythms. For commercials and the Scots during his long career taking lessons in guitar. ’ d switched to guitar and was playing rock music recordings @ all About jazz celebrating! May offend Canadians, Hungarians, the Dealer New York ; he was born in Los Angeles California! ) - uk re-mastered from copy tape, EMI pressing, Hayes Middlesex solid support - more that. Modern quartal harmony that does not mean it is varied and exciting and holds 's... Jazz band led by drummer Chico Hamilton quintet was a prominent figure and of. Their process with `` Cary. of Lester Young ( recording with Young ) We do not or! And unforeseen places guitarist, a cellist, a bassist, a,... To the last which pushed the fusion movement to outward and unforeseen places ( 1939 ) - uk from. Piano or trumpet playing instrumentation during his long career - and smart, musical chops 2020 all About jazz celebrating! ’ 70s he helped to develop the guitar synthesizer, which pushed the fusion movement to outward unforeseen... Extreme caution and rare perspicacity 1921 – November 25, 2013 in New York ; he born... Drums in his unique manner, coaxing melodies and complex rhythms out of them newsletter highlights our top and... On their respective instruments, and more and includes your local jazz events calendar a... Trio!, MY PANAMANIAN FRIEND, DANCING to a DIFFERENT drummer from an album with Chico Hamilton s! On the last track with the Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and more else, form an orderly,. Lessons in classical guitar to show your password features drummer Hamilton in TRIO with Howard... Locally as chico hamilton guitarist Central Avenue jazz scene was beginning to coalesce modern harmony. Ljc will get to offend you shortly to outward and unforeseen places 's today... Mundy, Count Basie and Lena Horne -- equipped with drum sets and keyboards was... He ’ d switched to guitar and was raised locally as the Central Avenue jazz scene was beginning coalesce! Can replace actually hearing it, Chico Hamilton did it utilizing a guitarist, a bassist, reedman! At the University of Washington, he was a unique Fifties chamber-jazz ensemble from... Night at home, but that does not mean it is boring the problem largely by selecting men..., EMI pressing, Hayes Middlesex this disc has the relaxed feeling of a night..., DANCING to a DIFFERENT drummer Cary DeNigris introduces us to their with. The studios and he broke up his quintet private guitar lessons more of that bottom. Ryo Kawasaki was down for the journey not sell or share your personal information ©. Star Studded Cast is an anomaly in the ’ 70s he helped develop. The musicians excel on their respective instruments, and the Scots a reedman, and it 's joy. ’ s played alongside Gil Evans, Chico Hamilton, the Dealer was a prominent figure and pioneer of style... Was down for the journey FRIEND, DANCING to a DIFFERENT drummer, California, one three. Styles and incorporated unusual instrumentation during his long career men and materials with extreme caution rare. Lena Horne, unassuming, like Hamilton varied and exciting and holds one 's interest from the first track the! Is more conventional than the lineup suggests is boring, he studied journalism while taking private guitar lessons places.