Nicolai Foss
Over the years Chico Hamilton (b. 1921) has featured an unusual number of talented guitarists in his many groups. His first recordings as a leader was with a trio featuring a young Howard Roberts (recorded in Dec.1953), and his somewhat later quintets — with a cello in the lineup — featured John Pisano and Jim Hall. His early 1960s quintet featured Gabor Szabo and Larry Corryell played with him around 1970.
Avid Jazz offers a twofer with Hamilton’s first three albums at a bargain price. The music is pleasant chamber jazz with plenty of space for the guitarists (Hall, Pisano, Roberts). I think this must also be some of the earliest recorded work of Hall, who plays marvelously (on a Les Paul). Definitely worth buying.
Tags: CD bargains
