Search - Chico Hamilton :: Thoughts of

Chic, Chic, Chico

James Arthur | Chicago, IL | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Not Your Stale Old Jazz

Robert Middleton | Boulder Creek, CA United States | 05/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"