Chico Hamilton

Featuring: Paul Horn (fl, cl, as, ts), John Pisano (g), Fred Katz (cello), Carson Smith (b), Chico Hamilton (d)

Late in the summer of 1956, Chico Hamilton’s quintet was the hottest new combo in the country following a successful eastern tour which included their appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival. Shortly after returning to Los Angeles, reedman Paul Horn and guitarist John Pisano joined, replacing Buddy Collette and Jim Hall. That Chico’s quintet caught the flavour of the time was underlined by his high-profile appearance in the film Sweet Smell of Success. The new quintet maintained the high standard set by the original formation. “I like the size of the group just as it is,” Hamilton said. “We can play just as funky as can be, then turn around and be dainty and petite. There’s nothing pretentious about it. We’re just trying to play good and in tune. I don’t care if people call it jazz or whatever they want to. We just want to play good music.”

Recorded Los Angeles, 1956 & 1957

Tracklisting:

1 I Know (theme)
2 Chanel #5
3 Beanstalk
4 September Song
5 Siete-Cuatro
6 Mr. Jo Jones
7 I Know (theme)
8 Satin Doll
9 Lillian
10 Reflections
11 Soft Winds
12 Caravan
13 Mr. Smith Goes To Town
14 I Know (theme)
15 The Morning After
16 Blue Sands
17 The Ghost
18 Goodbye Baby
19 Cheek To Chico
20 Susan
21 Sidney’s Theme
22 Jonalah
23 Show Me
24 I’m A Funny Dame