Search - Chico Hamilton :: Dancing to a Different Drummer

Chico's Solo Percussion Journey

Phasedin | New Jersey | 02/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As I write this, for some reason, much of drummer Chico Hamilton's output as a leader is either out of print, or only available as very expensive import discs. I hope this is only a temporary situation.

I came across this disc only a couple of years ago on sale, and bought 2 copies on a whim. I'm sure glad I did. I cherish my copy and have given the other copy to a friend who happens to be a drummer himself.

Chico Hamilton has pretty much played it all in the jazz field. He was one of the inventors in the 1950's of the "chamber jazz" sound, leading a group that included cello as well as electric guitar. Very innovative stuff-as well as being quite unusual that a drummer would lead a quiet, classically influenced group instead of it being a showcase for his chops and drum solos.

In the 70's and even on occaision after that in the 80's and 90's Hamilton also would record in a more commercial "slick" kind of funky jazz group, often fronted by young guitarists.

But this is easily one of my favorites. This is all Hamilton, all-solo, playing drums, percussion, slapaphone, tympani, gong, tambourine, as well as narrative voice.

Well the vocal sections often tracing biographically Hamilton's influences, I could live without,but it doesn't really detract too much from the music contained here.

I love Hamilton's sense of adventure, STILL trying to do something different after all these years (this was recorded in 1993). He's an American treasure and I hope this recording comes back into print very quickly so others can experience and enjoy this recording from one of our great jazz masters."