The Chico Hamilton Quintet - The Three Faces Of Chico (1959) [2013 Japan 24-bit Remaster] CD-Rip

A fine showcase for Chico Hamilton as a triple-threat artist: drummer extraordinaire ("Miss Movement," "Trinkets," etc.), vocalist ("She's Funny That Way," "The Best Things in Life Are Free," "Where or When"), and, of course, leader. His vocals are reminiscent of Nat King Cole, with subtleties all his own, and his drumming is just as impressive amid its own set of superlatives, many of which are shown off on the Hamilton originals "Happy Little Dance" and "Trinkets."

The other members of the group, Wyatt Ruther (bass), Eric Dolphy (flute, reeds), Dennis Budimer (guitar), and Nathan Gershman (cello), get their own moments to shine, on "Newport News," "I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)," etc. Hamilton also brought in a full reed section for several numbers here, in acknowledgement of his own appreciation of the classic 1940s big-band sound. And the contrasts with the quartet and solo numbers make this one of the most diversely textured and wide-ranging of all Chico Hamilton albums.


Tracks:

01 - Miss Movement
02 - She's Funny That Way
03 - Trinkets
04 - More Than You Know
05 - The Best Things In Life Are Free
06 - Where Or When
07 - Happy Little Dance
08 - Newport News
09 - I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)
10 - No Speak No English, Man

Personnel:

Chico Hamilton - drums, vocals
Eric Dolphy - alto saxophone, bass clarinet, flute
Paul Horn - alto saxophone
Buddy Collette - tenor saxophone
Bill Green - baritone saxophone
Nathan Gershman - cello
Dennis Budimir - guitar
Wyatt Ruther - bass