Thoughts of

Chico Hamilton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 10, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B00006GO7J
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,729 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chic, Chic, Chico, December 11, 2002

By 

James Arthur (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts of (Audio CD)

This album swings so hard on every track. Chico Hamilton has made consistently great music over the course of his career and even now in his 80's, this album swings harder than almost any other jazz album I've heard lately. From the very first track "Thoughts of Miles" with it's classic Miles Davis based melody and riff and a fiery sax solo from a new name to me Karolina Strassmayer, to the exotic arrangement of legendary club DJ Joe Claussell's "Je Ka Jo" with a blazing chordal solo from guitarist Cary DeNigris, to guest spots from former Hamilton band members and guitarists Joe Beck, Larry Coryell and Rodney Jones, to the final track a rousing swinging cover of the Modfather Paul Weller's "Bull-Rush" with a "Illinois Jacquet 'Flying Home'" type 16 bar solo from another young saxist Evan Schwam, this album rates up there with anything made by Chico throughout his long career. In fact, especially in light of the guitar guests, I'd say that this one is almost a career summating kind of album- what a triumph for Chico! And something else, which sadly at this point in jazz history is almost a blast from the past, even the album graphics are cool! I wish this one was available on vinyl because the artwork would look even better! If you are into jazz you should get this album to hear one of the best recent jazz releases, and if you aren't that familiar with jazz you should get this album to hear what the music is all about. Chico just swings so hard and the record is that much fun!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Stale Old Jazz, May 8, 2004

By 

Robert Middleton (Boulder Creek, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thoughts of (Audio CD)

I think one of the biggest challenges for jazz these days is to keep sounding fresh and new without going so far afield you start wondering if it's Jazz anymore.

Artists like Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell and Kurt Rosenwinkel are making some pretty incredible music these days. It's out there. It's valid and I enjoy it but for many it's not easy to listen to. It's just too far a leap from mainstream post-bop that we're all so accustomed to.

On the other hand, there's a lot of very stale music out there by many very talented artists. The same old line up of rhythm section plus a horn or two playing stuff not far from 60's Blue Note material is just boring after awhile.

And then along comes Chico Hamilton. Chico has always broken new ground with innovative styles. He goes way back with a reputation for unique instrumentation and sounds. Cello and guitar were mainstays. You might say that "Thoughts of..." is a mainstream album with newstream attitude. As the reviewer below, James Arthur, says, this album really swings. It's just sheer pleasure from beginning to end and it sounds absolutely unlike anyone else. Kudos to the master, Chico Hamilton.

The center of gravity for the whole proceedings is the guitar playing of Cary DeNigris and three past guitarist alumni. And what guitar paying it is. Flowing, melodious, and with an edge.

When I first discovered Chico I got on Amazon and ordered just about his whole catalog. If you're new to him, this wonderful CD would be a great place to start. Highly recommended!

4.0 out of 5 stars good and worth the money, October 11, 2011

By 

James S. Yeoman - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thoughts of (Audio CD)

This is a good Chico Hamilton recording, but not as interesting as his Impulse recordings, although all musicians are great, the material is not as memorable. I really miss the unique voices of Larry Coryell, Gabor Szasbo,Arnie Lawrence, Charles Lloyd, etc. Chico still cooks, though, I have to admit. When is Impulse going to release "His Great Hits" on CD?
Coryell, Joe Beck, and Rodney Jones all show up on one number each.