(cool jazz) [CD] Chico Hamilton Quintet feat. Eric Dolphy - Chico Hamilton Quintet feat. Eric Dolphy - 1991, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Artist Biography by Scott Yanow --
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. 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 Los Angeles at the time. He made his recording debut with Slim Gaillard, was house drummer at Billy Berg's, toured with Lionel Hampton, and served in the military (1942-1946). In 1946, Hamilton worked briefly with Jimmy Mundy, Count Basie, and Lester Young (recording with Young). 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).
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. 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. 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.
The Inquiring Mind In 1966, Chico Hamilton started composing for commercials and the studios and he broke up his quintet. However, he continued leading various groups, playing music that ranged from the avant-garde to erratic fusion and advanced hard bop. Such up-and-coming musicians as Larry Coryell (1966), Steve Potts (1967), Arthur Blythe, Steve Turre (on bass, surprisingly), and Eric Person (who played in Hamilton's '90s group Euphoria) were among the younger players he helped discover. In 1989, Chico Hamilton had a recorded reunion with the original members of his 1955 quintet (with Pisano in Hall's place), and in the 1990s he made a number of records for Soul Note. He continued playing gigs and recording throughout the 2000s, releasing four albums in 2006 for the label Joyous Shout! in celebration of his 85th birthday. Chico Hamilton died in Manhattan on November 25, 2013; he was 92 years old. His last album, The Inquiring Mind, recorded shortly before his passing, was released in early 2014.

This CD features an early incarnation of Chico Hamilton’s band featuring a then unknown Eric Dolphy. Utilizing cello and guitar in the front line along with Dolphy’s multiple instrumental prowess lends an unusual air to the proceedings. Recorded just before Dolphy’s Prestige debut, one can hear his sound already fully formed. In addition to Gershman’s cello stylings, there is an ambience of familiarity for those who’ve admired Dolphy’s recordings with Ron Carter on said instrument. Nowhere near as challenging as Dolphy’s later recordings, this Hamilton led date is still a joy to hear, with its swinging West Coast vibe and almost chamber-esque feel. “Pretty Little Theme,” “Little Lost Bear,” and “Lullaby for Dreamers” are short pieces that exemplify the pseudo-classical aspect of the band. In contrast “Opening” features blistering Bop tempos while “Cawn Pawn” is a deliciously slinky Blues groove. This short but sweet set is a welcome discovery and a boon to Dolphy collectors.
-- Troy Collins

Eric Dolphy - alto saxophone, flute, bass clarinet
Ralph Peña - bass (## 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Wyatt Ruther - bass (## 3, 12)
Nathan Gershman - cello
Chico Hamilton - drums
Recorded in Hollywood, California; May 19 & 20, 1959.