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5.0 out of 5 stars
Jazz History Comes VERY Alive with Chico & Dolphy, October 15, 2010
This review is from: Gongs East / Three Faces of Chico (Audio CD)
Eric Dolphy was recommended to Chico Hamilton by Buddy Collette, who was playing in Chico's pioneering band of the early to mid-50s. Eric was a student of Buddy's who blossomed under his tutelage (and Eric's own genius, of course). Dolphy played on (5) Hamilton releases: Gongs East (1958 Warner Brothers 1271), Original Ellington Suite (1958 Pacific Jazz), Three Faces of Chico (1959 WB 1344), With Strings Attached (1959 WB 1245), and That Hamilton Man (1959). Two of these albums are contained on this single CD. The playing is innovative and inspiring, with the arrangements a pleasing blend of classical, Far East, Blues, and jazz. This music pre-dates "world music" and the approach works. Personnel also includes Dennis Budimer, guitar; Wyatt Ruther, bass; and Nathan Gershman, cello. For only 5 guys, this music is full and lush, shifting from originals to standards effortlessly. Get this CD-- these albums are long out of print and are essential for the jazz afficianado.
At this writing, Chico is STILL the man, 89 years young, the elder statesman of the drums (he has Roy Haynes beat by 4 years) who is STILL RECORDING great music (check out recent releases Juniflip, Believe and Heritage on Joyous Shout Records). It is interesting to note that Chico has always made guitar a central focus of his instrumentation, all the way back from Jim Hall, John Pisano, Howard Roberts, Dennis Budimer, Larry Coryell, to the players of today. Keep on drumming,singing and arranging, Chico-- we need your effervescent, vibrant spirit more than ever!!
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